Wk 4 Hepatitis Flashcards
Hep E and D are…
not common in USA
What are 2 other viruses that can cause hepatitis
Epstein-Barr
Cytomegalovirus
Hepatitis can have other causes not from a virus such as… (4)
Alcohol abuse
Drugs
Chemicals
Bacteria
What are the most common strains of viral hepatitis?
B and C
What type of viral hepatitis is VERY dangerous in pregnancies?
E
What is the pathogenesis of viral hepatitis?
Infection which leads to inflammatory mediators that cluster around liver, causing lysis of cells and death, then tissue hypoxia. End result: edema and swelling
In many cases __ types of viral hepatitis are asymptomatic
ALL
Viral hepatitis causes elevated __
LFTs
Viral hepatitis is NOT consistent with…
cellular damage within the liver
When is the prodromal stage of viral hepatitis?
2 weeks after exposure
In the prodromal phase, viral hepatitis is __ __.
highly transmissible
What are the symptoms of the prodromal phase of viral hepatitis?
Fatigue Anorexia Malaise Nausea Vomiting HA hyperalgesia cough low grade fever
What is hyperalgesia?
Extreme sensitivity to pain
When is the icteric phase of viral hepatitis?
Begins with jaundice
What happens to the liver in the icteric phase of viral hepatitis?
Liver is enlarged and may be painful to palpation
What are symptoms of the icteric phase of viral hepatitis?
jaundice dark urine clay-colored stools fatigue abdominal pain
What is different about the abdominal pain in the icteric phase versus the prodromal phase of viral hepatitis?
It either persists or increases in severity
After the icteric phase, what can happen to a patient with viral hepatitis?
They can develop chronic hepatitis
What is the recovery phase of viral hepatitis?
Resolution of jaundice
When is the recovery phase of viral hepatitis?
6-8 weeks after exposure with diminished symptoms
What is something important to note about the recovery phase of viral hepatitis?
Liver remains enlarged/tender
Most patients with acute viral hepatitis…
recover completely with no complications
What is the overall mortality rate for viral hepatitis?
Less than 1% unless the patient is elderly or has comorbidities
What are 4 potential complications of viral hepatitis?
Chronic hepatitis
Liver cirrhosis
Liver cancer
Fulminant viral hepatitis - acute liver failure
Hep A is considered a…
food borne illness related to unclean sanitation and improper handling of food
What is the transmission of hepatitis A?
Mainly fecal-oral
What other ways can hepatitis A be spread?
Parenteral or sexually
What is the severity of hepatitis A?
Usually mild, acute onset