Hepatitis Flashcards
What type of virus is Hep A?
RNA hepatovirus from the picornavirus family
How is HAV transmitted?
Fecal-oral transmission
Most commonly in crowded areas with poor sanitation
Excreted from feces for 2 weeks BEFORE sx!!!
What are risk factors for contracting HAV?
- Traveling to area with poor sanitation (contaminated water)
- Unwashed produce or food
- Personal contact with infected person (clean-up, daycare)
- Sexual contact (oral to anal contact)
BUT, in up to 55% of infections, no identified risk factor!
How long is the incubation period for HAV?
2-6 weeks
What is the HAV timeline?
- Viral infection for about 5 weeks
- HAV present in stool from 1-5 weeks
- Clinical illness at about 2.5 weeks to 8 weeks that coincides with peaks in ALT and IgM
- IgG starts to rise at about 2.5 weeks
What are the prodromal symptoms of HAV?
Malaise Myalgia Arthralgia Easy fatigability Anorexia
What are the s/sx of HAV?
-Anorexa, N/V, low grade fever
-Jaundice: typically after 5-10 days of prodrome
-Abdominal RUQ pain
-Hepatomegaly in >50%
-Splenomegaly
-Enlarged lymph nodes
(kids typically asymptomatic)
What are the laboratory findings in HAV?
- EXTREME elevations in AST/ALT
- Elevated bilirubin and Alk Phos
- Proteinuria and bilirubinuria that precedes jaundice
- Hep A antibody:
- IgM anti-HAV in 1st week of symptoms to confirm diagnosis
- IgG anti-HAV rises after 1 month
What is the resolution of HAV?
A self-limiting virus!
Symptoms last less than 2 months
Does NOT cause chronic liver disease
What are complications from HAV?
Most common in ages >50
- Can have a relapse infection w/in 6 mos
- Fulminant hepatitis (UNCOMMON): risk is increased in those with chronic liver disease
- Acute renal failure, acute pericarditis, arthritis, acute pancreatitis, hemolytic anemia (all SUPER rare)
What is the treatment of HAV?
Bed rest
Oral/IV hydration with 10% glucose if N/V
Food (as tolerated)
No medications needed (also meds can be hepatotoxic)
Avoid physical exertion/activity because of splenomegaly
How to prevent HAV?
HAND WASHING!!!
If unvaccinated and exposed, post-exposure prophylaxis with HAV vaccine or immunoglobulin
Vaccination: inactivated vaccine given to children between 1-2 and/or international travelers
What type of virus is Hep B?
DNA hepadenavirus with inner core protein and outer surface coat
Subtypes (A-H)
How is HBV transmitted?
Transmitted via blood, blood products, or body fluids
Present in saliva, semen, vaginal secretions
HIGHLY transmittable because of high viral loads in fluid
What are the risk factors for contracting HBV?
- Mother to child transmission: ~90% transmission
- Injection drug use
- Any sexual contact with vaginal/seminal fluid
- Contact with infected person’s fluid (utensils, etc.)
- Hemodialysis
Who is at increased risk for contracting HBV?
- Healthcare providers (clinicians, dentists, nurses, people in labs, blood banks, etc.)
- Incarcerated or formerly incarcerated
- People with hx of STIs
What is the incubation period for HBV?
6 weeks to 6 months
What is the HBV timeline?
Incubation: 6 weeks to 6 months
Acute infection: 2 weeks to 3 months
Early recovery: 3 to 8 months
Recovery: 6 to 12 months
15-20% of adults will become chronic
What are s/sx during the prodromal period of HBV?
- A/N/V, malaise, aversion to smoking
- Can be mostly asymptomatic
What are s/sx during the acute icteric period of HBV?
Lasts for 2-4 weeks
-Jaundice
-Fulminant disease, liver failure in 1% of patients
(Check PLT and INR to see if liver is beginning to fail…may need transplant!)
What are laboratory findings in HBV?
- Similar to HAV, but significantly HIGHER ALT/AST
- Can have elevated INR, which is a sign of increased mortality (liver failure)
- HBV serology patterns (lots…)
How do you interpret HBV serology?
Check HBsAg, HBsAb, HBcAb, HBeAg, and HBeAb
Helps you determine if it is acute or chronic HBV, if there is active viral replication and how much virus is being replicated, if the patient has been vaccinated, and if the patient has recovered from previous HBV
If you see surface antibodies (HBsAb) indicates pt has been vaccinated against HBV
How do you treat HBV?
- Rest, aggressive hydration (oral or IV if needed)
- If any indication of liver failure (encephalopathy, coagulopathy) HOSPITALIZE pt and evaluate for liver transplant
- Antivirals are only warranted in fulminant disease
How do you prevent HBV?
- VACCINATE!! Recommended for infants
- Careful handling of items from infected people
- Practice safe sex with HBV-infected people
- No utensil sharing in houses with positive person
- Hep B immunoglobulins w/in 7 days of exposure
What is the incidence of chronic Hep B?
1-2% of acute infections progress to chronic infection
(in acute immunocompromised pts, 10-15% progress)
Higher incidence in males than females
Commonly seen in all family members in endemic countries
Highest in Africa, Middle East, South America (parts)
What is the “Immune Tolerant Phase” of chronic Hep B?
- HBeAg and HBV DNA are present
- Normal to slightly elevated LFTs with little liver inflammation
- Common in infants and children