The evaluation of acute viral hepatitis seen in a regional hospital

UNLABELLED: 40 patients have been considered (23 males and 17 females), all affected by acute viral hepatitis, over a period of two years. All where followed up using the facilities of a regional hospital. The following items were evaluated: ETIOLOGY: 23 patients (57.5%) with viral hepatitis A (HVA), 14 (35%) with viral hepatitis No A, No B (HVNANB) and 3 (7.5%) with viral hepatitis B (HVB). RISK FACTORS: we found a significative difference (P > 0.05) between HVA and the other etiologic groups. CLINICAL SYMPTOMS: the most important were jaundice, hyperthermia and asthenia. Several biological parameters where evaluated, including the Ritis Index (GOT/GPT) and prothrombin time and concentration, none correlated with the degree of liver damage. Evolution was followed: 30 patients (75%) showed the usual hepatocellular jaundice; 8 (20%) showed cholestasis and 2 (5%) were anicteric forms. Our results where comparable with those registered by other authors. We remark the high incidence of viral hepatitis A in our patients considering they where all adults.