Hepatitis A Infection

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Questions and Answers

What is the typical outcome for individuals infected with HAV?

Lifelong infections

Immediate resolution

Chronic infections

Clinical resolution within 6 months (correct)

What percentage of HAV patients are typically symptomatic?

Nearly 100%

Less than 30%

Around 50%

More than 70% (correct)

What is a common symptom of HAV infection in children younger than 6 years old?

Abdominal pain

Asymptomatic (correct)

Jaundice

Fever

What is a common laboratory finding in patients with HAV infection?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is a rare complication of HAV infection?

Chronic infections Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of HAV infection resolution?

Within 6 months Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of patients with Hepatitis B infection are likely to be asymptomatic?

70% Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the goals of treatment for Hepatitis B?

Suppressing HBV replication and preventing disease progression to cirrhosis and HCC Signup and view all the answers

Who should be counseled on preventing disease transmission?

All patients with chronic Hepatitis B infection Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to prevent HBV reactivation in patients with inactive HBV infections?

Because it can lead to HBV replication and disease progression Signup and view all the answers

What is a complication of Hepatitis B infection?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Who should be treated for Hepatitis B infection?

All patients with cirrhosis, irrespective of DNA or ALT levels Signup and view all the answers

What is a symptom of Hepatitis B infection?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the yellowish pigmentation of the sclera?

Scleral icterus Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended for patients with chronic Hepatitis B infection?

Avoiding alcohol and being immunized against HAV Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following laboratory findings is characteristic of Hepatitis A in the acute phase of infection?

ALT>AST Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary diagnostic tool for acute HAV infection?

IgM anti-HAV Signup and view all the answers

What are the clinical criteria for the diagnosis of acute HAV infection?

Fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, jaundice, elevated serum aminotransferase levels, and serologic testing for IgM anti-HAV Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical timeline for the detection of IgM anti-HAV in patients with acute HAV infection?

5-10 days prior to symptoms appearing Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of acute HAV infection?

Intermittent nausea and vomiting Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic laboratory finding of Hepatitis C?

HCV RNA (+) or quantifiable within 12 weeks of exposure Signup and view all the answers

What is a common complication of Hepatitis A infection?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hepatitis A (HAV)

Most individuals have a clinical resolution within 6 months of infection, and some within 2 months.
HAV does not lead to chronic infections.
Children younger than 6 years of age are typically asymptomatic.
Symptoms may include fever, jaundice, scleral icterus, hepatomegaly, and pruritus.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Approximately 70% of patients are subclinical or asymptomatic.
Younger patients are most likely to be asymptomatic.
Symptoms may include jaundice, dark urine, white stool, abdominal pain, fatigue, fever, chills, loss of appetite, and pruritus.
Goals of treatment: suppress HBV replication, prevent disease progression to cirrhosis and HCC, and prevent HBV reactivation in patients with inactive HBV infections.
All patients with cirrhosis require HBV treatment, regardless of DNA or ALT levels.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Approximately 70% of patients are asymptomatic.
Symptoms may include jaundice, dark urine, white stool, abdominal pain, fatigue, fever, chills, loss of appetite, and pruritus.

Laboratory Findings

ALT/AST elevations:
- HAV: >1000 IU/L, ALT > AST
- HBV: 1000-2000 IU/L, ALT > AST
- HCV: highly variable, can be approximately 1000 IU/L, ALT > AST
Bilirubin:
- HAV: elevated and preceded by aminotransferase elevations
- HBV: can be within normal or elevated
- HCV: elevated and preceded by aminotransferase elevations
Virus-specific tests:
- HAV: IgM anti-HAV
- HBV: IgM anti-HBc, HBsAg
- HCV: HCV RNA (+) or quantifiable, HCV antibody reactive within 12 weeks of exposure