Viral Hepatitis

Excerpt

Hepatitis is defined as inflammation of the liver that can result from a variety of causes, such as heavy alcohol use, autoimmune disorders, drugs, or toxins. However, the most frequent cause of hepatitis is due to a viral infection, referred to as "viral hepatitis." In the United States, the most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. The other types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis D and E, which are less frequently encountered.

Based on the etiology of the hepatitis, the severity can range from mild and self-limiting to severe illness requiring liver transplantation. Hepatitis can be further classified into "acute" and "chronic" based on the duration of the inflammation in the liver. Inflammation lasting less than 6 months is defined as "acute," and inflammation lasting greater than 6 months is defined as "chronic." Although acute hepatitis is usually self-limiting, it may also cause fulminant liver failure, depending on the etiology. In contrast, chronic hepatitis may result in the development of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and features of portal hypertension, leading to significant morbidity and mortality.