Hepatitis overview

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Hepatitis Main Page
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Overview
Classification Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Hepatitis C Hepatitis D Hepatitis E Alcoholic Hepatitis Autoimmune Hepatitis
Differential Diagnosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:

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Overview

Hepatitis implies injury to liver characterized by presence of inflammatory cells in the liver tissue. The condition can be self limiting, healing on its own, or can progress to scarring of the liver. Hepatitis is acute when it lasts less than 6 months and chronic when it persists longer. A group of viruses known as the hepatitis viruses cause most cases of liver damage worldwide. Hepatitis can also be due to toxins (notably alcohol), other infections or from autoimmune process. It may run a subclinical course when the affected person may not feel ill. The patient becomes unwell and symptomatic when the disease impairs liver functions that include, among other things, screening of harmful substances, regulation of blood composition, and production of bile to help digestion.

Historical Perspective

Etymologically from ancient Greek hepar (ηπαρ) or hepato- (ηπατο-), meaning 'liver,' and suffix -itis, denoting 'inflammation'. World Hepatitis Awareness Day is an annual event organized by several worldwide hepatitis advocacy groups to raise awareness of infectious hepatitis and demand action to curb the spread of the disease and treat people who are infected.

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Hepatitis from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

HAV, HBV, HCV, HDV (with co-existing HBV infection), and HEV causes 95% of total acute viral hepatitis in the United States.

Risk Factors

Screening

Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis

Natural History

Complications

Prognosis

Diagnosis

Diagnostic Criteria

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Imaging Findings

CT

CT abdomen may be done to exclude other causes of hepatitis such as biliary obstruction or in assessment of progression of hepatitis to cirrhosis or liver carcinoma.

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Surgery

Prevention

References