Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, which can be acute or chronic and is often caused by viral infections, alcohol abuse, autoimmune disorders, or metabolic disorders. Chronic hepatitis can lead to progressive liver damage, cirrhosis, and liver failure if left untreated. Our Gastroenterology Department specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of chronic hepatitis, focusing on minimizing liver damage and improving overall liver health.

Symptoms:

Chronic hepatitis may present with various symptoms, including fatigue, abdominal discomfort, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss. However, some individuals with chronic hepatitis may remain asymptomatic for an extended period, making early detection and diagnosis challenging.

Types of Hepatitis:

Chronic hepatitis can be caused by different viruses, including hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis D virus (HDV), hepatitis E virus (HEV), as well as non-viral causes such as autoimmune hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing chronic hepatitis involves a combination of clinical assessment, blood tests to detect liver enzymes (such as ALT and AST) and specific viral markers (such as HBsAg for HBV and anti-HCV antibodies for HCV), imaging studies (such as ultrasound or CT scan), and liver biopsy to assess the degree of liver inflammation and fibrosis.

Treatment:

The management of chronic hepatitis aims to reduce liver inflammation, prevent disease progression, and minimize the risk of complications such as cirrhosis and liver failure. Treatment options may include antiviral medications (for viral hepatitis), immunosuppressive therapy (for autoimmune hepatitis), lifestyle modifications (such as alcohol cessation and weight management), and regular monitoring of liver function.

Antiviral Therapy:

Antiviral medications are commonly used to treat chronic viral hepatitis, including oral nucleos(t)ide analogs for HBV and direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for HCV. These medications help suppress viral replication, reduce liver inflammation, and improve liver function, leading to a decreased risk of liver-related complications.

Immunosuppressive Therapy:

In autoimmune hepatitis, immunosuppressive agents such as corticosteroids and other immunomodulatory drugs are prescribed to suppress the abnormal immune response targeting the liver, thereby reducing inflammation and preventing further liver damage.

Lifestyle Modifications:

Patients with chronic hepatitis are advised to adopt lifestyle changes to support liver health, including abstaining from alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding hepatotoxic medications, and getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B to prevent additional liver injury.

Monitoring and Follow-up:

Regular monitoring of liver function tests, viral markers, imaging studies, and liver fibrosis assessments is essential to evaluate treatment response, detect disease progression, and adjust management strategies accordingly. Close follow-up with a gastroenterologist or hepatologist is recommended for individuals with chronic hepatitis. Untreated chronic hepatitis can lead to serious complications, including liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer), liver failure, and death. Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and ongoing management are crucial to prevent these complications and improve long-term outcomes.

 

What causes chronic hepatitis?

Chronic hepatitis can be caused by viral infections (such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C), autoimmune disorders (such as autoimmune hepatitis), alcohol abuse, metabolic disorders, and other factors that result in ongoing liver inflammation and damage.

 

What are the symptoms of chronic hepatitis?

Symptoms of chronic hepatitis may include fatigue, abdominal discomfort, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss. However, some individuals with chronic hepatitis may remain asymptomatic.

 

How is chronic hepatitis diagnosed?

Diagnosing chronic hepatitis involves a combination of clinical assessment, blood tests, imaging studies, and liver biopsy to evaluate liver function, detect viral markers, assess liver inflammation and fibrosis, and determine the underlying cause of the disease.

 

What are the treatment options for chronic hepatitis?

Treatment for chronic hepatitis depends on the underlying cause and may include antiviral medications (for viral hepatitis), immunosuppressive therapy (for autoimmune hepatitis), lifestyle modifications, and regular monitoring of liver function to prevent disease progression and complications.