Hepatitis, Viral, Acute
Description Diagnostic criteria General and supportive measures Medicine treatment Referral ICD-10 code: B17.9 *Notifiable condition DESCRIPTION Acute inflammation of the liver with varying degrees of hepatocellular necrosis caused by hepatitis A, B and less commonly C, D and E viruses. DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA Clinical Prodromal phase: nausea, malaise, vomiting, anorexia, fever, and  
Description
Diagnostic criteria
General and supportive measures
Medicine treatment
Referral
ICD-10 code: B17.9
*Notifiable condition
DESCRIPTION
Acute inflammation of the liver with varying degrees of hepatocellular necrosis caused by hepatitis A, B and less commonly C, D and E viruses.
DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA
Clinical
- Prodromal phase:
- nausea,
- malaise,
- vomiting,
- anorexia,
- fever, and
- right upper quadrant abdominal pain.
- Jaundice, tender hepatomegaly and dark urine.
Investigations
- Raised transaminases and bilirubin.
- Serological evidence of hepatitis virus infection. See:Hepatitis B, chronic for Hepatitis B interpretation chart.
GENERAL AND SUPPORTIVE MEASURES
- Isolate patient if Hepatitis A for 7–10 after the onset of jaundice.
- Inform patient of infectivity risk if hepatitis B, or C.
- Bed rest does not alter the course of the disease.
- Hepatitis B is vaccine preventable, see: Immunisation.
MEDICINE TREATMENT
- If Hepatitis B treatment is being considered, discuss with a specialist.
- See: Hepatitis B, chronic.
REFERRAL
- Acute hepatitis with bleeding tendency and altered level of consciousness – isolation recommended.
- Prolonged jaundice or raised transaminases.
- Chronic hepatitis with/without cirrhosis.
Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa Paediatric Hospital _2023, 5th edition_Updated July 2024
Chapter 2: Alimentary Tract, 2.3 Hepatic Disease, 2.3.4 Hepatitis, Viral, Acute