Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which subtype of Hepatitis C is most common in the United States?
What genetic polymorphism predicts response to treatment in Type 1 Hepatitis C?
Which factors increase the risk of progression in chronic Hepatitis C?
What is the typical estimate of cirrhosis development over 20 years in chronic Hepatitis C patients?
Signup and view all the answers
Which non-invasive assessment can be used to evaluate fibrosis in Hepatitis C patients?
Signup and view all the answers
What distinguishes acute hepatitis from chronic hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following causes may lead to the mimicry of acute hepatitis symptoms?
Signup and view all the answers
Which sign is NOT typically associated with acute hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
What can lead to acute liver failure, albeit very rarely?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a common symptom of both acute and chronic hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a significant indicator that differentiates acute hepatitis from other liver diseases?
Signup and view all the answers
Which group is routinely screened for chronic hepatitis during health checks?
Signup and view all the answers
What is considered a rare complication of acute hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a common cause of chronic hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the typical prevalence rate of chronic Hepatitis B in Southeast Asia?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a cause of chronic hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary mode of transmission for Hepatitis A?
Signup and view all the answers
Which hepatitis virus requires the presence of Hepatitis B for its replication?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common histological feature of chronic hepatitis C?
Signup and view all the answers
Which method is commonly used for non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis?
Signup and view all the answers
Which population is at increased risk for severe Hepatitis E illness?
Signup and view all the answers
What percentage of Hepatitis B infected adults typically develop chronic infection?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common extra-hepatic manifestation associated with chronic Hepatitis C?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary goal of assessing chronic hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
What characterizes acute viral hepatitis histologically?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following hepatitis viruses has a potential chronic carrier state?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following statements about hepatitis is true? (Select all that apply)
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following statements is true regarding acute hepatitis? A) Acute hepatitis is defined as abnormal liver function persisting for more than 6 months. B) Acute hepatitis can only be caused by viral infections. C) Severe acute hepatitis may lead to acute liver failure. D) All cases of acute hepatitis will progress to chronic hepatitis.
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following conditions is characterized as causing only chronic hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common inflammatory cell found in prototypical cases of hepatitis, regardless of duration?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following causes of chronic liver disease is NOT typically classified under conventional 'chronic hepatitis'?
Signup and view all the answers
Flares or exacerbations of chronic hepatitis may mimic acute hepatitis. Which of the following conditions may present this way?
Signup and view all the answers
Which type of hepatitis is associated with a high proportion of patients developing chronic infection based on age?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is true regarding the persistence of abnormalities in chronic hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a common cause of acute hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
Acute hepatitis is defined as diffuse liver damage with inflammation lasting less than how many months?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following viruses is considered a hepatotropic virus associated with acute hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
Cute hepatitis may mimic flares or exacerbations of chronic hepatitis. Which of the following conditions can present acutely but has distinctive features?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following statements about drug-induced acute hepatitis is correct?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary characteristic of acute hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT considered a viral cause of acute hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is the most common symptom of acute hepatitis in adults?
Signup and view all the answers
In children, acute hepatitis is often characterized by which of the following?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following signs is commonly associated with acute hepatitis? (Select one)
Signup and view all the answers
What is the typical bilirubin level in patients with acute hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following laboratory findings is typical in acute hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
In the context of acute hepatitis, what does a lengthened PT indicate?
Signup and view all the answers
Acute liver failure is considered a common outcome of acute hepatitis. Which of the following statements is true regarding its occurrence?
Signup and view all the answers
Chronic hepatitis is defined by the persistence of abnormalities for how long?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a common cause of ongoing hepatocellular damage in chronic hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
How is chronic hepatitis often diagnosed in the general population?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following symptoms may indicate chronic hepatitis? A) Severe headache B) Vague symptoms like anorexia or malaise C) Persistent fever D) Acute abdominal pain
Signup and view all the answers
Chronic hepatitis can present with flares that may mimic which condition?
Signup and view all the answers
Chronic hepatitis may be detected during follow-up investigations of which of the following? A) Acute kidney injury B) Acute respiratory infections C) Acute hepatitis (e.g., HBV) D) Hypertension
Signup and view all the answers
What is a potential consequence of chronic hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a common cause of chronic viral hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following conditions is characterized as always chronic?
Signup and view all the answers
Wilson's disease is classified as a cause of chronic hepatitis. What is its characteristic frequency?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT considered a cause of chronic hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
Chronic drug hepatitis is:
Signup and view all the answers
What do chronic liver diseases such as PBC and PSC have in common with chronic hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency is classified as a cause of chronic hepatitis. What is its characteristic prevalence?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following blood tests is commonly used to assess liver enzyme levels in chronic hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
What does viral load measurement assess in chronic hepatitis B and C?
Signup and view all the answers
In the context of liver biopsy, what does the 'grade' refer to?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of scoring systems in chronic hepatitis assessment?
Signup and view all the answers
Which non-invasive assessment method is used to evaluate fibrosis in chronic hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a primary aim of treating chronic hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
How does the effectiveness of treatment for chronic hepatitis change over time?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the characteristic histological pattern associated with piecemeal necrosis in chronic hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following conditions is most commonly associated with piecemeal necrosis and interface inflammation?
Signup and view all the answers
In the context of liver pathology, what does "interface inflammation" refer to?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the significance of portal tract inflammation in chronic hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
What does 'piecemeal necrosis' specifically indicate in liver histology?
Signup and view all the answers
Which histological feature is observed in the portal tract during piecemeal necrosis?
Signup and view all the answers
Which chronic hepatitis is least likely to exhibit piecemeal necrosis and interface inflammation?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following viruses is associated with fecal-oral transmission?
Signup and view all the answers
Which hepatitis virus is primarily associated with parenteral transmission and has a risk of developing a chronic state?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following statements is true regarding Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary mode of transmission for the Yellow fever virus?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following viruses can lead to coinfection or superinfection?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a characteristic of Hepatitis B and C viruses?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following best describes the pathological feature of spotty focal necrosis in acute viral hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the term used for necrosis that links vascular structures in the liver during acute viral hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
In acute viral hepatitis, panacinar necrosis affects which zones of the liver?
Signup and view all the answers
Which type of necrosis is typically observed in acute viral hepatitis, linking vascular structures?
Signup and view all the answers
What pathological feature distinguishes acute viral hepatitis from other forms of hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
In which zones of the liver does confluent necrosis typically occur during acute viral hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following features is NOT typically associated with acute viral hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary mode of transmission for Hepatitis A?
Signup and view all the answers
Hepatitis A is most commonly associated with which of the following?
Signup and view all the answers
Which group is more likely to experience symptomatic infection from Hepatitis A? (Select one)
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following statements is true regarding the infection in children?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a common symptom of Hepatitis A in adults?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Hepatitis A infection?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following populations is at increased risk for Hepatitis A infection? A) Individuals with chronic liver disease B) People traveling to endemic areas C) Individuals receiving blood transfusions D) Healthcare workers
Signup and view all the answers
Which histological feature is commonly observed in Hepatitis A?
Signup and view all the answers
What are acidophil bodies associated with in Hepatitis A histology?
Signup and view all the answers
What is cholestasis in the context of Hepatitis A histology?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the term 'Councilman body' refer to in Hepatitis A histology?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following features is NOT typically associated with the histology of Hepatitis A?
Signup and view all the answers
In Hepatitis A histology, which of the following is indicative of acute hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
The presence of plasma cells in periportal inflammation in Hepatitis A indicates:
Signup and view all the answers
What is the general characteristic of Hepatitis E regarding chronic disease?
Signup and view all the answers
The histological features of Hepatitis E are most similar to which other type of hepatitis?
Signup and view all the answers
What percentage of chronic Hepatitis B patients are at risk of developing liver cancer?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary strategy for the prevention of Hepatitis B transmission?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a characteristic feature of acute Hepatitis B pathology?
Signup and view all the answers
In chronic Hepatitis B, changes last for more than how many months?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of inflammation is observed in the portal tracts during chronic Hepatitis B?
Signup and view all the answers
Which histological feature is variable and observed in Hepatitis B pathology?
Signup and view all the answers
Spotty hepatocyte necrosis and fibrosis in chronic Hepatitis B primarily occur in which areas?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the significance of immunohistochemistry for HBcAg in the diagnosis of Hepatitis B?
Signup and view all the answers
What type of virus is Hepatitis B?
Signup and view all the answers
Which component of Hepatitis B is essential for the virus to be infective in blood?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) indicate?
Signup and view all the answers
Which antigen in the Hepatitis B core is important for viral replication?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the significance of the eight different genotypes of Hepatitis B?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the role of antibodies to HBsAg?
Signup and view all the answers
What are the small non-infective particles found in the blood due to excess surface material called?
Signup and view all the answers
How can you distinguish between an infected individual and an infectious individual in the context of Hepatitis B?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary mechanism through which the Hepatitis B virus causes liver damage?
Signup and view all the answers
How does the immune response affect the Hepatitis B virus?
Signup and view all the answers
What happens to the immune response in infected neonates?
Signup and view all the answers
How does interferon affect the immune response in Hepatitis B?
Signup and view all the answers
What can lead to fluctuations in the immune response to Hepatitis B?
Signup and view all the answers
In the context of Hepatitis B, what can cause acute flares of liver damage?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following best describes the state of immune control in Hepatitis B?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the presence of the Viral S protein (HBsAg) indicate?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the presence of the Viral S protein (HBsAg) indicate?
Signup and view all the answers
Which protein is made by the Hepatitis B virus but does not appear free in the blood?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the presence of the Viral E protein (HBeAg) indicate?
Signup and view all the answers
Which human antibodies are the best markers for indicating active Hepatitis B infection?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the appearance of anti-E antibodies indicate after Hepatitis B infection?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the presence of the Viral S protein (HBsAg) indicate?
Signup and view all the answers
Which protein is produced by the Hepatitis B virus but does not circulate freely in the blood?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the presence of the Viral E protein (HBeAg) signify?
Signup and view all the answers
What do the human anti-C antibodies (IgM and IgG) indicate?
Signup and view all the answers
Which statement is true regarding the human anti-E antibodies?
Signup and view all the answers
If a patient develops human S protein (anti-HBs antibodies), what does it indicate?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following best describes Fulminant Hepatitis B?
Signup and view all the answers
Chronic Hepatitis B is defined by which of the following?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a significant risk associated with Chronic Hepatitis B?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the typical outcome of Acute Hepatitis B in most patients?
Signup and view all the answers
Which disease course of Hepatitis B has the highest mortality rate?
Signup and view all the answers
In the context of Hepatitis B, what is the main risk factor for developing hepatocellular carcinoma?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following antibodies appears first in response to Hepatitis B infection?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the significance of detecting anti-E antibodies shortly after viral E protein?
Signup and view all the answers
What do the presence of Human S protein and anti-S antibodies indicate?
Signup and view all the answers
Which antibody is the best marker for active Hepatitis B infection?
Signup and view all the answers
In which phase of chronic Hepatitis B infection is the patient typically immune tolerant and HBe antigen positive?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following characterizes Phase 1 of chronic Hepatitis B infection?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a potential risk associated with Phase 1 of chronic Hepatitis B infection?
Signup and view all the answers
During which phase of chronic Hepatitis B infection does the patient experience liver cell necrosis and elevated transaminase levels?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary characteristic of Phase 2 in chronic Hepatitis B infection?
Signup and view all the answers
What action is often taken during Phase 2 of chronic Hepatitis B infection due to raised transaminase levels and necrosis?
Signup and view all the answers
In Phase 3 of chronic Hepatitis B infection, what is the status of the Hepatitis E antigen (HBeAg)?
Signup and view all the answers
What characterizes Phase 3 of chronic Hepatitis B infection?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary immune response during Phase 3 of chronic Hepatitis B infection?
Signup and view all the answers
In Phase 3, what is the risk of progression to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)?
Signup and view all the answers
In Phase 4 of chronic Hepatitis B infection, what happens to the Hepatitis E antigen status?
Signup and view all the answers
What characterizes Phase 4 of chronic Hepatitis B infection?
Signup and view all the answers
During Phase 4, what is indicated for the treatment of patients with raised transaminases?
Signup and view all the answers
What characterizes Phase 1 of chronic Hepatitis B infection?
Signup and view all the answers
During Phase 2 of chronic Hepatitis B infection, what happens to the liver enzymes?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the typical immune status in Phase 2 of chronic Hepatitis B infection?
Signup and view all the answers
In Phase 3 of chronic Hepatitis B infection, what is the status of Hepatitis E antigen (HBeAg)?
Signup and view all the answers
Which statement is true regarding the immune response in Phase 1 of chronic Hepatitis B infection?
Signup and view all the answers
In a patient experiencing a transition from Phase 3 to Phase 4 of chronic Hepatitis B, which of the following actions should be taken?
Signup and view all the answers
Which complication is characterized by fever, rash, and arteritis in patients with chronic HBV infection?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following conditions is associated with renal inflammation due to Hepatitis B?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the presence of anti-HBe alongside HBsAg indicate in a patient?
Signup and view all the answers
Which marker is considered the most reliable indicator of active viral replication in Hepatitis B?
Signup and view all the answers
What is commonly expected when escape mutant strains of HBV are present?
Signup and view all the answers
Which treatment approach may lead to seroconversion of HBsAg?
Signup and view all the answers
When monitoring Hepatitis B infection, which marker should be evaluated after HBeAg clearance?
Signup and view all the answers
Which complication of Hepatitis B is specifically associated with renal disease characterized by inflammation?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the presence of anti-HBs antibodies indicate in the context of Hepatitis B?
Signup and view all the answers
Which condition is characterized by fever, rash, and arteritis in patients with chronic Hepatitis B infection?
Signup and view all the answers
What signifies a chronic Hepatitis B infection in serological markers?
Signup and view all the answers
What percentage of patients with Polyarteritis Nodosa are found to be carriers of Hepatitis B virus?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the absence of HBsAg and presence of anti-HBs in a patient's serology indicate?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the presence of IgM anti-HBc indicate about a patient's Hepatitis B status?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the marker HBeAg indicate about a patient's Hepatitis B infection?
Signup and view all the answers
What percentage of patients with untreated chronic Hepatitis C is estimated to develop cirrhosis within 20 years?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the estimated average duration for untreated chronic Hepatitis C infection to progress to cirrhosis?
Signup and view all the answers
In patients with untreated chronic HCV, which factor is NOT recognized as a risk factor for severe liver disease progression?
Signup and view all the answers
Which histological finding is commonly observed in untreated chronic Hepatitis C infection?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common reason that chronic Hepatitis C infection goes undiagnosed in many patients?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following describes the term 'piecemeal necrosis'?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the 'grade' of liver disease primarily refer to? A) Extent of necrosis B) Extent of inflammation +/- necrosis C) Type of inflammatory cells present D) Extent of fibrosis
Signup and view all the answers
In liver pathology, which pattern describes necrosis that spans across multiple lobules?
Signup and view all the answers
What does trichrome stain primarily highlight in liver tissue?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a key feature of decompensated cirrhosis?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Hepatitis
- Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver.
- Most cases of hepatitis are short-lived (acute) and resolve within six months.
- Some diseases cause only acute hepatitis, for example, Hepatitis A virus (HAV).
- Other causes of hepatitis can lead to ongoing, chronic inflammation of the liver, including autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and Wilson’s disease.
- Some causes of acute hepatitis can become chronic, such as Hepatitis B (HBV).
- Severe acute hepatitis can cause acute liver failure.
- Lymphocytes are the main inflammatory cells in the liver, regardless of the duration of the infection.
- Flares and exacerbations of chronic hepatitis, regardless of cause (AIH, Wilson’s, chronic HBV or chronic HBV with HDV superinfection), can appear similar to acute hepatitis.
- Other causes of chronic liver diseases have distinctive features:
- Alcohol-related liver disease
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Chronic inflammatory biliary tract diseases (PBC, PSC)
- Hereditary hemochromatosis
Causes of Acute Hepatitis
- Causes of acute hepatitis include viral infections, drug toxicity, and alcohol abuse.
- Viral causes of acute hepatitis include: HAV, HBV, HCV, HEV, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and rubella.
- Drugs can cause acute hepatitis identical to viral hepatitis in adults.
- Symptoms of acute hepatitis can be non-specific, including nausea, anorexia, and malaise.
- Acute liver failure is a rare but serious complication of acute hepatitis.
Signs of Acute Hepatitis
- A swollen, tender liver is a common sign of acute hepatitis.
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin) is a more severe symptom but can be absent, especially in children.
- The absence of signs of chronic disease, such as clinical, blood, or histological findings, distinguishes it from chronic hepatitis.
Blood Tests for Acute Hepatitis
- Blood tests will show elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), often to very high levels, but normalization within six months.
- Increased levels of bilirubin and normal albumin levels are other characteristic findings.
- A prolonged prothrombin time (PT) reflects mild liver dysfunction, but a significant prolongation is a sign of acute liver failure (ALF).
Chronic Hepatitis
- Chronic hepatitis is a persistent abnormality lasting more than six months.
- It is characterized by ongoing effects resembling acute hepatitis, including hepatocellular damage, observable biochemically, histologically, and clinically.
- Chronic hepatitis is a syndrome with many causes but similar histological features.
- It is usually identified through routine testing, health checks, or investigation of symptoms.
- Chronic hepatitis is often detected during investigations for vague symptoms like anorexia, malaise, or flares, which can resemble acute hepatitis.
- It can be a consequence of untreated acute hepatitis, especially HBV.
- Liver cirrhosis with associated complications can arise from chronic hepatitis.
Causes of Chronic Hepatitis
- The most common causes of chronic hepatitis are chronic viral hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, and Wilson’s disease.
- Chronic viral hepatitis is caused by HBV, HCV, or HDV superinfection.
- Other rare causes include chronic drug hepatitis, Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, and Wilson’s disease.
- Other causes of chronic liver disease and damage, including PBC, PSC, alcoholic liver disease, NAFLD, and hemochromatosis, have distinctive features.
- All causes of chronic liver disease share a risk of fibrosis, progression to cirrhosis, and increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Assessment of Chronic Hepatitis
- Blood tests are crucial for assessing chronic hepatitis.
- Liver enzymes (ALT/AST) are elevated.
- Viral load and genotype testing for HBV and HCV can determine the extent of the infection.
- Liver biopsy provides valuable information about the stage of fibrosis, grade of necroinflammatory activity, and the degree of liver damage.
- Scoring systems derived from biopsy findings can guide prognosis and treatment options.
- Non-invasive assessments of fibrosis, including FibroScan, are valuable tools in monitoring chronic hepatitis.
- Treatment aims to eliminate, reduce, or delay the progression towards cirrhosis and reduce the risk of HCC.
Piecemeal Necrosis/Interface Inflammation
- Piecemeal necrosis is a hallmark of chronic hepatitis, particularly HBV and autoimmune hepatitis.
- It is seen as inflammation blurring the interface between the portal tract (center and bottom right) and the liver parenchyma (upper left).
- This interface inflammation causes damage to the involved liver cells.
Viral Hepatitis
- Hepatotropic viruses cause viral hepatitis.
- HAV and HEV are primarily associated with fecal-oral/enteral transmission and do not typically cause chronic infection.
- HBV and HCV are associated with parenteral transmission, posing a risk of chronic infection.
- Other viral causes of acute hepatitis include EBV, CMV, and rubella.
- Coinfection or superinfection is possible with infections like HCV/HBV/HIV or HBV+HDV.
Acute Viral Hepatitis
- Acute viral hepatitis is characterized by pathological features that include:
- Spotty focal necrosis of individual hepatocytes
- Confluent bridging necrosis, which connects vascular structures, typically in zones 1 and 2
- Panacinar necrosis, involving all three zones (1, 2, and 3)
Hepatitis A
- HAV spreads by the fecal-oral route through enteral transmission.
- It is most associated with travel to endemic areas and can manifest as a mild illness or be asymptomatic.
- Symptomatic infection (jaundice and fever) is more common in adults.
- Childhood infection is often silent, contributing to the reservoir of infection.
- ALF is a rare outcome, and jaundice can be prolonged.
- No chronic disease or carrier state exists.
Hepatitis A – Histology
- Histological features of HAV resemble those of acute hepatitis in general:
- Periportal inflammation with plasma cells
- Cholestasis
- Acidophil bodies
- Apoptosis
- Councilman bodies
Hepatitis A (Continued)
- Anti-HAV antibody provides lifelong immunity.
- IgM anti-HAV indicates a recent (acute) infection.
- Active immunization is recommended for those at risk, inducing protective anti-HAV antibodies.
Hepatitis E
- Hepatitis E is similar to hepatitis A in terms of its illness and epidemiology.
- It is prevalent in developing countries and is often associated with water-borne outbreaks.
- It is the most common cause of ALF in South Asia (genotype 1) and is found sporadically in non-endemic countries (zoonotic, genotype 3)
- Serological and molecular tests are available for diagnosis.
- HEV infection is mostly subclinical or mild, but can rarely lead to acute liver failure.
- Pregnant women have a higher risk of more severe disease.
- There is generally no chronic infection or carrier state.
- Chronic infection is linked to immunosuppression.
- Histology resembles Hepatitis A.
Hepatitis B
- Chronic HBV disease affects 300 million worldwide, making it a leading cause of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
- Annual deaths from HBV-related complications reach 1 million.
- Prevalence ranges from 0.1% to 10%, depending on location and risk factors.
- SE Asia, China, and Africa have high prevalence (over 8%).
- Intermediate prevalence (2-8%) is found in S Asia and the Middle East.
- Low prevalence (under 2%) is found in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
- Childhood infection carries a 20-30% risk of developing chronic infection.
- Adults have a much lower (2%) prevalence.
- Pregnant women are a high-risk group, as their infants are vaccinated and receive Hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG).
- Patients undergoing immunosuppression also face increased risk.
- High-risk groups for HBV include intravenous drug users (IDUs), individuals with frequent sex partners/men who have sex with men (MSM), contacts of infected individuals, and children of parents from high-prevalence areas (over 8%).
Hepatitis D
- Hepatitis D (delta agent) is an RNA virus that requires the presence of HBV for replication.
- This virus can either coinfect with HBV or superinfect an individual already infected with HBV.
- It increases the risk of developing chronic HBV infection.
- Hepatitis D is commonly found in IDUs and is rare in Ireland.
Hepatitis C
- Prior to the identification of HCV in 1987, blood or blood-product associated hepatitis was referred to as non-A, non-B hepatitis.
- HCV is a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, impacting an estimated 180 million.
- Prevalence varies greatly between locations.
- Six genotypes of HCV exist, each impacting disease behavior and treatment response.
- Transmission occurs primarily through blood, IDUs, and sporadic routes.
- The exact pathogenesis of HCV is not fully understood.
- Acute HCV infection is typically silent and often goes unrecognized.
- Over 80% of cases progress to chronic infection.
- Chronic HCV infection is frequently detected incidentally.
- Vague symptoms like fatigue and arthralgia are common in chronic HCV infection.
- A small percentage of patients develop extrahepatic manifestations.
Hepatitis C Worldwide Prevalence
- Prevalence varies widely depending on region.
- In the US, prevalence is estimated at 1.5% of the population.
- In Europe, the prevalence is approximately 1%.
- In Egypt, the prevalence is estimated at 10%.
- Eastern Asia has prevalence rates between 1-3%.
Diagnosis of Hepatitis C
- Serological testing for anti-HCV antibodies indicates exposure to the virus but does not confirm active infection.
- The presence of HCV RNA in the blood confirms an ongoing infection.
- Quantifying HCV RNA levels provides insight into the extent of infection.
Hepatitis C Histology
- Chronic HCV infection is characterized by mild chronic hepatitis with a variety of histological findings.
- These findings include:
- Portal tract lymphoid aggregates and follicles
- Bile duct infiltration by lymphocytes
- Fatty change
- Portal and lobular granulomas
- Giant cell formation
Hepatitis C Extrahepatic Manifestations
- Extrahepatic manifestations of HCV infection include:
- Arteritis
- Cryoglobulinaemia with glomerulonephritis
- Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT)
- Increased incidence of diabetes
- Association with lichen planus, Sjogren's syndrome, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Diagnosis of Hepatitis C (Continued)
- Genotyping is essential in HCV management:
- Genotype 1a is the most common in the US but is least responsive to interferon therapy.
- Genotype 1b is most prevalent in Europe.
- Types 2 and 3 are found in other regions.
- Polymorphism in the IFNL3/IL28B gene is a strong predictor of treatment response in genotype 1.
- A sustained virological response (SVR) – undetectable HCV RNA after 12 or 24 weeks of treatment – is the goal of treatment.
- SVR significantly reduces progression to cirrhosis and HCC.
Hepatitis C Clinical Course
- The risk of progression varies in chronic HCV infection, with increased vulnerability in men, older individuals, and those coinfected with HIV or HBV, or who abuse alcohol, or are obese.
- Progression towards cirrhosis can take 20-30 years and is estimated to occur in 20% of patients over 20 years.
- Histological assessment of liver damage through biopsies is vital for predicting progression.
- Previously, interferon-based regimens were guided mainly by genotype 1.
- Non-invasive assessments of fibrosis, like FibroScan, are now used.
- Biochemical abnormalities and clinical symptoms may be absent in chronic HCV, making it a silent disease.
Clinical Course of Untreated HCV Infection
- The clinical course of untreated HCV infection involves a gradual progression over years.
- The risk of cirrhosis and HCC increases with time.
- Progressive liver damage and fibrosis can lead to liver decompensation, portal hypertension, and hepatic encephalopathy.
- Untreated chronic HCV infection represents an increasing risk to public health.
Extrahepatic Complications of Hepatitis B
- Hepatic encephalopathy is not an extrahepatic complication of Hepatitis B.
- Polyarteritis nodosa affects 30-50% of Hepatitis B virus carriers.
- Serum sickness-like syndrome manifests as fever, rash, and arteritis in patients with chronic HBV infection.
- Glomerulonephritis, a renal inflammation, can be a complication associated with Hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B Serology
-
HBsAg indicates current HBV infection.
-
Anti-HBs signifies immunity to Hepatitis B.
-
IgM anti-HBc suggests a recent acute infection.
-
Anti-HBc is the best indicator of past exposure to Hepatitis B virus.
-
The absence of HBsAg and the presence of anti-HBs indicate recovery or vaccination from Hepatitis B.
-
HBeAg indicates high viral replication and infectivity.
-
Anti-HBe antibodies imply low infectivity and low viral replication.
-
HBeAg seroconversion to HBeAg- is primarily aimed at developing anti-HBe antibodies during Hepatitis B treatment.
-
Escape mutant strains of HBV lack the e antigen and may not be detected by standard serological tests.
-
HBV DNA levels are the most reliable marker of active viral replication and infectivity in Hepatitis B.
-
HBsAg positivity with the presence of anti-HBe suggests chronic infection with low infectivity (inactive carrier).
-
Both interferon therapy and antiviral therapy may lead to HBsAg seroconversion.
-
After HBeAg is cleared, the next significant marker to check for in monitoring Hepatitis B infection is anti-HBe.
Chronic Hepatitis C Infection
- Untreated chronic Hepatitis C infection often remains asymptomatic for years.
- The estimated average duration for untreated chronic Hepatitis C infection to progress to cirrhosis is 20-30 years.
- 20% of patients with untreated chronic Hepatitis C are estimated to develop cirrhosis within 20 years.
- A common histological finding in untreated chronic Hepatitis C infection is lymphocytic infiltration in portal tracts and periportal regions.
Risk Factors for Progression
- Male gender is a risk factor for progression to more severe liver disease in patients with untreated chronic HCV.
- Age over 50 is a risk factor for progression to more severe liver disease in patients with untreated chronic HCV.
- Co-infection with HIV or HBV is a risk factor for progression to more severe liver disease in patients with untreated chronic HCV.
Diagnosis and Monitoring
- FibroScan is a non-invasive method used to assess liver fibrosis in patients with chronic Hepatitis C instead of a biopsy.
- Chronic Hepatitis C infection often goes undiagnosed because routine screening is not conducted in the general population.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver, and its various causes and types. This quiz covers acute and chronic hepatitis, as well as specific conditions such as autoimmune hepatitis and Wilson's disease. Explore the key features and classifications of liver diseases in this informative quiz.