3.13.1. Liver + Biliary Tree Disease - Viral Hepatitis - A Flashcards Preview

2nd Year - Alimentary Diseases > 3.13.1. Liver + Biliary Tree Disease - Viral Hepatitis - A > Flashcards

Flashcards in 3.13.1. Liver + Biliary Tree Disease - Viral Hepatitis - A Deck (19)
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1
Q

What causes Hepatitis A?

A

An Enteric Virus (HAV)

2
Q

How does the HAV enter into the Bloodstream?

A

It is an Enteric Virus (Absorbed through the Intestine) and so is Transmitted via the Faecal-Oral Route

3
Q

What is the Pathology of HAV infection?

A

This is a Self-Limiting Virus which causes Temporary Inflammation of the Liver, whilst the Virus is present

4
Q

Which age group most commonly presents with HAV infection?

A

5-14 year olds

5
Q

What is the Pattern of HAV infection?

A

It occurs Sporadically / Epidemically

6
Q

What are the Clinical Signs of HAV infection?

A
  1. Hepatomegaly
  2. Lymphadenopathy
  3. Deranged Enzymes
7
Q

Why does Hepatomegaly occur?

A

Due to the Inflammation associated with the Infection of the Liver

8
Q

Why does Lymphadenopathy occur?

A

Due to the Immune Response to the Presence of a Viral Infection

9
Q

Why are Deranged Enzymes formed?

A

Due to the potential impairment of the Hepatic Function

10
Q

What are the Symptoms of HAV Infection?

A
  1. Nausea and Vomiting
  2. Anorexia
  3. Jaundice
  4. Pale Stools
  5. Dark Urine
11
Q

Why does Nausea and Vomiting occur?

A

Due to the presence of an infection of the Accessory Pathway of the Alimentary Tract, this is the Body’s natural response

12
Q

Why does Anorexia occur?

A

Due to the Nausea and Vomiting associated with the Infection

13
Q

Why does Jaundice occur?

A

Due to the inability of the Liver to effectively deal with Bilirubin, due to the inflammation

14
Q

Why do patients get Dark Urine / Pale Stools?

A

Due to the Intrahepatic Cholestasis

15
Q

What investigations are required for HAV infection?

A
  1. Serum ELISA to measure IgM / IgG antibody’s

2. Inflammatory Markers (PCR and ESR)

16
Q

When will the Serum Antibody IgM be present?

A

During, and Shortly after, the Disease, indicating current infection

17
Q

When will the Serum Antibody IgG be present?

A

After the course of the Disease, indicating recent infection

18
Q

What will the Inflammatory Markers show?

A

The presence of inflammation (although not specific to the Liver)

19
Q

What is the treatment of HAV infection?

A
  1. None - it is a self-limiting Virus

2. Active immunization

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