Understanding Hepatitis Causes and Types

• Hepatitis refers to an inflammatory condition of the liver
• Hepatitis is commonly caused by viral infections, but can also result from autoimmune responses, medications, toxins, and alcohol

Causes of Hepatitis

• A variety of infectious viruses and non-infectious agents can cause hepatitis
• There are five main strains of the hepatitis virus: A, B, and C
• Medications such as OTC antibiotics and corticosteroid hormone medications can cause hepatitis
• Certain medications, like antibiotics, can cause inflammation, impacting both kidney and liver health
  • Medications should be taken safely, at the right time, frequency, and dosage
• Toxins, particularly those inhaled or ingested without knowledge of their effects, can harm the liver
  • The FDA should approve any supplements or substances ingested
• Alcohol is a common cause of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver impairment

Common Hepatitis Types

• The three most common types of hepatitis are A, B, and C
• Infection with any of these viruses can lead to life-threatening complications

Hepatitis A

• Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection transmitted via the fecal-oral route
• Transmission occurs through ingestion of contaminated food and water
• Lack of safe water is associated with increased risk of hepatitis A infection
• Poor sanitation and hygiene practices contribute to the spread
• The incubation period for hepatitis A is typically 14-28 days
• Prevention includes proper handwashing and hygienic food preparation

Hepatitis B

• Hepatitis B is an acute infection that attacks the liver and can cause acute and chronic disease
• In 2022, hepatitis B resulted in an estimated 1.1 million deaths, mainly from cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma
• Hepatitis B can be prevented by safe and effective vaccines

Hepatitis B Modes of Transmission

• Unprotected sex can transmit the virus through blood, saliva, semen, or vaginal secretions
• Sharing needles can spread the virus easily
• Sharing needles may involve reuse
• Accidental needle sticks can transmit the virus
• Pregnant women can pass hepatitis B to their babies during childbirth
  • Newborns can receive a vaccine to prevent infection

Hepatitis B Outcomes

• Chronic hepatitis B can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and kidney disease

Hepatitis B Prevention

• Hepatitis B is preventable with a vaccine
• All babies should receive the hepatitis B vaccine soon after birth, followed by two or three doses at least 4 weeks apart
• Booster vaccines may be recommended for medical professionals, even after completing the initial series

Hepatitis C

• Hepatitis C is a liver infection that can lead to serious liver damage
• The hepatitis C virus causes the infection
• The virus can cause acute and chronic hepatitis, ranging from a mild illness to a serious, lifelong illness, including liver cirrhosis and cancer
• The hepatitis C virus is blood-borne
• Most infections occur through exposure to blood from unsafe injection practices, unsafe healthcare, unscreened blood transfusions, injection drug use, and sexual practices that lead to exposure to blood
• There is currently no effective vaccine against Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C Modes of Transmission

• Hepatitis C can be passed from an infected mother to her baby
• Sexual practices that lead to exposure to blood spread Hepatitis C
  • These modes of transmission are less common
• Hepatitis C is not spread through breast milk, food, water, or casual contact such as hugging, kissing, and sharing food or drinks with an infected person
  • Mothers can breastfeed

Hepatitis C Prevention

• There is no effective vaccine
• The best way to prevent the disease is to avoid contact with the virus
• Extra care should be used in healthcare settings and for people with a higher risk of hepatitis C virus infection
• People at higher risk include those who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, and those living with HIV

Hepatitis D

• Hepatitis D is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV), which requires HBV for its replication
• Hepatitis D infection cannot occur in the absence of hepatitis B virus
• HDV-HBV co-infection is considered the most severe form of chronic viral hepatitis
• HDV-HBV co-infection has rapid progression towards hepatocellular carcinoma and liver-related death
• Vaccination against hepatitis B is the only method to prevent HDV infection

Hepatitis D Transmission

• People with chronic HBV are at risk of infection with HDV
• People who are not immune to HBV are at risk of infection with HBV, which puts them at risk of HDV infection
• The risk of co-infection also appears to be potentially higher in recipients of hemodialysis, men who have sex, and commercial sex workers

Hepatitis D Treatment

• Pegylated interferon alpha is generally used as treatment for Hepatitis D virus infection
  • The virus tends to give a low rate of response to the treatment
  • The treatment is associated with a lower likelihood of disease progression

Hepatitis E

• Inflammation of the liver caused by infection with the hepatitis E virus (HEV)
• Hepatitis E has a fecal-oral transmission route that is similar to hepatitis A

Cirrhosis

• This is a late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases and conditions

Hepatic Resection

• Hepatic Resection is where the affected area or section of the liver is being removed, where the live is capable of growing again as long as the liver is healthy

Pancreatitis

• Pancreatitis - a disease in which the pancreas becomes inflamed
  • It's main function is the production and regulation of insulin needed by glucose in the body

Acute Pancreatitis

• Acute - sudden inflammation
• Acute Pancreatitis lasts for a short time
• Acute Pancreatitis can range from mile discomfort to severe issues

Chronic Pancreatitis

• long-lasting inflammation
• Pancreatitis happens after an episode of acute pancreatitis

Chronic Pancreatitis Symptoms

• Constant pain in your upper abdomen that radiates to your back
• May experience upset stomach and vomiting

Blood Test

• Tests used in this case include ALANINE TRANSAMINASE (ALT) ,ASPARTATE TRANSFERASE (AST) ,ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE (ALP)

Acute Pancreatities Symptoms

• You can have a fever
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Swollen and tender abdomen
• Upper pain in your abdomen that radiates to the back

Cause of Acute Pancreatitis

• Can include - Gallstones, Medications, Surgery or Trauma

Chronic Pancreatitis Cause and Risk Factors

• A risk is drinking lots of alcohol
• You can have an autoimmune disease
• May have infections

Symptoms of Worsening Preatitis

• Lie flat
• Coughs
• Exercise
• Eat more

Symptoms for Feeling Better with Pancreatitis Acute and Chronic

• Sit upright
• Eat less
• Lean forward
• Curl in a ball

Treatment for Pancreatitis

• Treatment is supported with Supportive Care

Treatment and Support

• IV fluids - to help with electrolytes with tube feedings
• Fluids to help with hydration for pain relief