Chronic Hepatitis

Chronic hepatitis is hepatic inflammation lasting >6 months, due to HBV/HCV, autoimmune hepatitis, NAFLD, alcohol, or drugs, presenting with asymptomatic elevation, fatigue, or progression to cirrhosis. Treatment: identify/treat cause (HBV: nucleos(t)ide analogues/pegylated interferon; HCV: direct-acting antivirals; autoimmune: steroids/azathioprine; NAFLD: lifestyle/metabolic control; alcohol: abstinence; stop drug); monitor fibrosis/liver enzymes; screen for hepatocellular carcinoma; treat complications if cirrhosis; follow-up to confirm virologic/biochemical response.

Common Symptoms

Asymptomatic; fatigue; elevated transaminases; >6 months; by viral/autoimmune/metabolic/alcohol/drug

Causes and Pathogenesis

Viral/autoimmune/metabolic/drug causes persistent hepatic inflammation and fibrosis.

Treatment

Treat cause; antivirals/immunosuppression; monitor fibrosis/HCC

Preventive Measures

HBV vaccination; safe sex/needles; limit alcohol; weight control.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Gastroenterology/Hepatology/Infectious-disease department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.