A condition characterised by inflammation of the liver due to hepatitis viruses

Causes

• Hepatitis A, B (common), C, D, E, G and TTV viruses

Clinical features

• Abdominal discomfort, nausea, diarrhoea
• Malaise
• Enlarged liver and tenderness, pain over the liver area
• Jaundice
• Fever
• Anorexia
• Joint pain
• Urticaria

Differential diagnosis

Includes:

• Gastroenteritis
• Relapsing fever
• Pancreatitis
• Malaria
• Yellow fever
• Leptospirosis

Investigations

Blood:

- haemogram
- slide for malaria parasites
- liver function test
- serum for viral antigens and antibodies

Management
HC2

Acute:

Admit (only if patient condition is poor)

Ensure effective infection control measures, eg. institute barrier nursing, personal hygiene - if this is done, patient isolation is not necessary

Bed rest

Diet: high in carbohydrates and vitamins - avoid proteins if in liver failure

Avoid drugs generally, but especially sedatives and hepatotoxic drugs