Hepatitis

Published on 21/03/2015 by admin

Filed under Pediatrics

Last modified 22/04/2025

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Chapter 33 Hepatitis

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

Hepatitis, or inflammation of the liver, can be caused by a viral agent. Hepatitis viruses can be classified into six types: hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis D virus (HDV), hepatitis E virus (HEV), and hepatitis G virus (HGV). The hepatocytes (epithelial cells of the liver) are damaged either directly by the virus or by the body’s immune response to the virus; in either case, there is altered cellular function that leads to inflammation, necrosis, and autolysis of the liver. Regeneration of cells begins when damaged cells are removed by phagocytosis. Usually recovery is achieved with minimal residual damage, although chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis may develop.

LABORATORY AND DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

1. General tests used to indicate liver function include the following:

2. Immunologic tests are used to determine the type of hepatitis based on identification of antigens (HBsAg, HBeAg) causing disease or antibodies (anti-HAV, anti-HBc, anti-HBs, or anti-HCV) that develop as a result—they confirm the diagnosis: