Hepatitis Gail Lupica PhD, rn, cne hepatitis

Hepatitis

• Post-Icteric: (recovery stage)
• Convalescent phase. Jaundice is disappearing, but it does not mean recovery.
• It may last weeks to months.

• Diagnosis:
• Serologic markers: looks at the presence of antigens and antibodies of infected persons. All have antigen serologic markers except Hepatitis E.
• Liver function tests…. ALT. AST, Bili show disease stage. The higher they are the more acute the disease is.
• 
• WBC count is elevated.

Hepatitis

• Management:
• Rest, Rest, Rest -Reduces the metabolic demands of the liver.
• Good nutrition- High carbo, high k/cal, moderate protein, low fat. (Except if hepatic encephalopathy present, then moderate protein) Avoid all ETOH!!!
• Steroid therapy-always controversial.
• Anti -emetics

• Complications:
• Chronic Hepatitis: Delayed convalescent period…lasting> 6 months. May last for years. No liver necrosis occurs so the prognosis is favorable.
• Fulminant Hepatitis: Active necrosis of the liver is occurring. Cells don’t regenerate. Very serious and may progress to liver cirrhosis and liver failure