Viral hepatitis

Knowledge of the etiologies and pathogenesis of viral hepatitis has exploded in the last two decades. Accurate serologic methods for identification of the causative agents have lead to an understanding of the importance of viral hepatitis in the pathogenesis of acute and chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although treatment of infection remains a challenge, accurate methods of diagnosis and prevention of infection are now at the physician's disposal. Successful control of these debilitating infections will depend upon the proper utilization of existing methods of prophylaxis.     

Viral hepatitis

The patient with viral hepatitis has been of considerable concern to health care professionals for many years. Researchers have identified at least three types of hepatitis (hepatitis type A, hepatitis type B, and hepatitis non-A, non-B) and knowledge of each type is rapidly increasing. Sufficient data no exist to evaluate the real risks to patient contacts and to health care personnel. Using this wealth of information, staff nurses should be able to apply the nursing process to provide optimal care for patients with viral hepatitis and to minimize the spread of this infection in the hospital setting. They should also be aware that continuing research in this field may result in additional changes in nursing care, and thus they should be prepared to revise their thinking as new information becomes available.     

Viral hepatitis

Many nurse practitioners are involved in providing care to patients who believe they have either been exposed to or contracted hepatitis. Discoveries and new developments in the field of viral hepatitis have made the diagnosis of hepatitis A and hepatitis B more definitive. Until recently viral hepatitis was simply classified as either infectious or serum hepatitis. This article will focus on recent developments and management of hepatitis A, hepatitis B and non-A and non-B.     

Viral hepatitis

The prevalence of viral hepatitis reflects socio-economic conditions and may be reduced by improving hygiene and altering lifestyles. Effective prophylaxis is available for individuals who remain at high risk.     

Viral hepatitis in India

Hepatitis in India is caused mainly by hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis E virus (HEV). HAV infection occurs frequently in children, though in parts of India there is an evolving epidemiology. HEV is the most common cause of acute sporadic hepatitis in India and has been associated with several large-scale epidemics in the past. India belongs to the intermediate endemicity zone for HBV carriers. HBV is the major cause of chronic liver disease and liver cancer. Horizontal transmission of HBV plays an important role. Genotypes D, A, and C have been reported in India. HCV is transmitted mainly through suboptimal blood banking and injection practices in India. Genotype 3 is the most predominant, followed by genotype 1.     

Viral hepatitis in Israel. Transfusion-associated hepatitis

Follow-up of 1,754 transfused persons and 1,659 nontransfused patients at two hospitals in Israel revealed 13 cases of icteric hepatitis, all among transfusion recipients. Factors influencing attack rate were number of units administered and age (but not sex) of the recipient. Interview of 47 donors to cases and 248 donors to non-cases indicated an increased risk to patients receiving blood from individuals with a past history of jaundice, from those with a history of transfusion, and from persons born in North Africa.     

Viral hepatitis C and pregnancy

AIM: To evaluate course and outcomes of hepatitis C in gravidae; introduction of optimal management of pregnancy, postpartum period in mothers and newborns in viral hepatitis C. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Case histories, general and obstetric statuses, obstetric and extragenital pathology, pregnancy course and outcomes were studied in 76 pregnant women with viral hepatitis C. RESULTS: A complicated course of pregnancy was observed in 38.2, 13.1 and 24.3% of women in trimester I, II and III, respectively. Therapeutic policy of removing symptoms of the pathology with consideration of hepatitis C severity and stage allowed to keep pregnancy in all the women. CONCLUSION: Hepatitis C virus can complicate pregnancy but the latter does not aggrevate the course of hepatitis C.