Infective Hepatitis Flashcards
What are some common causes of hepatitis?
Common causes of hepatitis include drugs such as paracetamol, alcohol, viruses, and autoimmune disease.
What are the symptoms that can be associated with hepatitis?
Symptoms of hepatitis can include nausea, vomiting, fevers, joint pain and muscle aches, jaundice, abdominal pain, itchy skin, pale stools, and dark urine.
What are the possible outcomes of hepatitis?
Hepatitis can be acute, chronic, or both. Chronic hepatitis is characterized by persistent inflammation leading to scarring and eventually cirrhosis. Examples of acute hepatitis include paracetamol overdose or hepatitis A, while examples of chronic hepatitis include hepatitis C and autoimmune hepatitis.
Can hepatitis B and hepatitis E be both acute and chronic?
Yes, hepatitis B and hepatitis E can be both acute and chronic in nature.
Name some specific examples of acute and chronic hepatitis.
Examples of acute hepatitis include paracetamol overdose or hepatitis A. Examples of chronic hepatitis include hepatitis C and autoimmune hepatitis.
What are some risk factors for hepatitis?
Risk factors for hepatitis include exposure to infected blood or bodily fluids, unprotected sex, sharing needles, certain medical procedures, and having a weakened immune system.
What are the key enzymes investigated in hepatitis?
The key enzymes investigated in hepatitis are alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).
What is the location of ALT and what is its function?
ALT is located in the cytoplasm, with high expression in hepatocytes. Its function is to catalyze the conversion of alanine and α-ketoglutarate to pyruvate and glutamate
Where is AST located and what is its function?
AST is located in both the cytoplasm and mitochondria, with expression in multiple organs but higher concentrations in the liver. Its function is to catalyze the conversion of aspartate and α-ketoglutarate to oxaloacetate and glutamate.
What is the significance of the AST/ALT ratio in investigating hepatitis?
The AST/ALT ratio can provide insight into the possible causes of hepatitis. A ratio greater than 1 may indicate cirrhosis or chronic viral hepatitis, while a ratio less than 1 is often seen in viral hepatitis. However, it is important to note that the ratio is not definitive in diagnosis.
In infective hepatitis, what are the key liver enzymes that are predominantly raised?
In infective hepatitis, both ALT and AST will be predominantly raised.
What does an ALT level greater than 1000 suggest in hepatitis?
An ALT level greater than 1000 is more consistent with acute viral causes, ischaemia (lack of blood supply), or paracetamol overdose.
Apart from ALT and AST, what other markers should be checked in hepatitis to assess liver function?
In addition to ALT and AST, bilirubin, creatinine, albumin, and blood glucose should be checked as they are markers of liver failure.
What are the different types of viral hepatitis?
The different types of viral hepatitis are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, and Hepatitis E. Other viruses such as Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) can also cause hepatitis.
What are the differences between acute and chronic viral hepatitis?
Acute viral hepatitis refers to a short-term infection that typically resolves within six months, while chronic viral hepatitis refers to a long-term infection that lasts for more than six months.
How is Hepatitis A transmitted and what are its sources?
Hepatitis A (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, often due to contaminated water and food sources.
Where is Hepatitis A more prevalent and who is at higher risk?
Hepatitis A is more prevalent in low socioeconomic groups or individuals who travel to high-risk areas.
What is the incubation period for Hepatitis A?
The incubation period for Hepatitis A is typically 2-6 weeks.
How is Hepatitis A diagnosed and what is the characteristic diagnostic marker?
Hepatitis A is diagnosed by the presence of IgM anti-HAV in the serum, which indicates an acute infection.
What are the common symptoms of Hepatitis A?
The common symptoms of Hepatitis A include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fever, and lethargy.
Does Hepatitis A lead to chronic liver disease or acute liver failure?
Hepatitis A does not lead to chronic liver disease, and acute liver failure is rare.