Infection of the liver Flashcards
1
Q
What is fulminant hepatitis?
A
A rare syndrome of massive necrosis of liver parenchyma and a decrease in liver size (acute yellow atrophy).
Usually occurs after infection with certain hepatitis viruses, exposure to toxic agents, or drug-induced injury.
2
Q
What does being hepatitis B e-antigen positive mean?
A
The patient has a VERY high viral load –> so is infectious.
3
Q
What does having hepatitis B core antibody mean?
A
That the patient has previously had a real hep B viral infection (NOT just the vaccine).
4
Q
What is chronic hep B define as?
A
Detectable hep B surface antigen for longer than 6 months.
5
Q
Name some drugs used to treat hep B….
A
Interferon, Lamivudine, Adefovir, Tenofovir and Entecavir
