Week 3 Pre-Learning: Hepatitis

Question 1

What is viral hepatitis?

Answer 1

• widespread inflammation and infection of the liver tissue

Question 2

We know that the three most common viral agents that cause hepatitis are Hep A, Hep B and Hep C. Name 6 more types.

Answer 2

• Hep D
• Epstein-Barr
• Cytomegalovirus
• Herpes simplex
• rubella
• yellow fever

Question 3

What is liver damage in hepatitis mediated by? (3)

Answer 3

• mediated by cytotoxic cytokines and natural killer cells that destroy infected hepatocytes
• results in liver necrosis and inflammation, which can obstruct the flow of bile
• liver cells can often regenerate

Question 4

Are people always asymptomatic with hepatitis? (2)

Answer 4

• some individuals are carriers and completely asymptomatic
• can be acute or chronic

Question 5

What can a chronic hepatitis infection lead to? (2)

Answer 5

• chronic inflammation and lead to scarring
• eventually progresses to cirrhosis

Question 6

Hepatitis A infographics*

Answer 6

Question 7

Hepatitis B infographics*

Answer 7

Question 8

Hepatitis C infographics*

Answer 8

Question 9

What are the symptoms of hepatitis as per the infographics? (7)

Answer 9

• fever
• fatigue
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• abdominal pain
• joint pain
• jaundice

Question 10

How is Hepatitis A diagnosed? (2)

Answer 10

• detection of HAV-specific antibodies in the blood
• PCR test to detect the virus RNA

Question 11

How is Hepatitis B diagnosed? (3)

Answer 11

• Detection of the HBV surface antigen HBsAg
• For acute infection, IgM anti-HBc
• PCR test to detect the virus DNA

Question 12

How is Hepatitis C diagnosed? (2)

Answer 12

• Detection of HCV-specific antibodies in the blood
• PCR test for virus RNA can confirm chronic infection

Question 13

Clinical manifestations for Hepatitis ranges from absence of symptoms to liver failure. What are the general symptoms? (7)

Answer 13

Underlying inflammatory process or infection
- fatigue
- myalgia
- Arthalgia
- malaise
- anorexia
- fever

Question 14

What quadrant of the abdomen would you feel pain in regards to hepatitis? (2)

Answer 14

• Right upper quadrant pain
• indication of liver enlargement due to inflammatory process

Question 15

Jaundice may occur with Hepatitis. What may that result in? (6)

Answer 15

• Inflammation and necrosis changes the structure of the liver (damage to hepatocytes)
• Can obstruct flow of bile, causing blockage
• yellowing of sclera
• light coloured stool
• dark yellow urine
• pruritis

Question 16

In summary, what are the characteristics of chronic viral hepatitis? (4)

Answer 16

• Hep B and C can result in chronic infections
• Chronic Hep B and C are often asymptomatic
• Can progress to liver scarring, cirrhosis, and liver failure
• Increases risk of developing liver cancer