Lecture on Viral Hepatitis

Introduction

• Presenter: Sarah with RegisteredNurseAriene.com
• Topic: Viral Hepatitis
• Additional Resource: Free quiz available after the video

Understanding Hepatitis

• Definition: Hepatitis = Liver inflammation
  • "Hepat": Liver
  • "-itis": Inflammation
• Causes: Drugs, alcohol, viruses
• Focus: Viral Hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E)

Liver Function Overview

• Location: Right upper quadrant of the abdomen
• Structure: Two lobes, eight segments, lobules containing hepatocytes
• Blood Supply:
  • Hepatic Artery: Oxygen-rich blood
  • Portal Vein: Nutrient-rich, oxygen-poor blood
• Functions:
  • Filtration: Processes nutrients, checks for bacteria/viruses
  • Storage and Protection: Produces proteins for immune system
  • Clotting: Involvement with vitamin K
  • Metabolism:
    • Ammonia: Converts to urea, excreted by kidneys
    • Bilirubin: Breaks down red blood cells, processed into bile
  • Bile Production: Aids in fat digestion

Viral Hepatitis Types

Hepatitis A

• Transmission: Fecal-oral route (food and water)
• Infection Type: Acute only
• Symptoms: Jaundice, GI symptoms, dark urine, clay-colored stool
• Diagnosis:
  • Antibodies: IgM (active), IgG (recovered/immunity)
• Treatment: Supportive care
• Prevention: Vaccination, hand hygiene, post-exposure immune globulin

Hepatitis B

• Transmission: Blood and body fluids
• Infection Type: Acute and chronic
• Risk: Infants and young children high risk for chronic
• Diagnosis:
  • HBSAG: Active infection
  • Antibodies: Indicates immunity
• Treatment: Antivirals, interferon for chronic
• Prevention: Vaccination, testing, immune globulin

Hepatitis C

• Transmission: Blood and body fluids (IV drug use)
• Infection Type: Acute and chronic (mostly chronic)
• Diagnosis: Antibodies against Hep C virus
• Treatment: Direct-acting antivirals
• Prevention: No vaccine, blood and organ donation screening

Hepatitis D

• Transmission: Blood and body fluids
• Dependency: Requires Hep B
• Infection Type: Acute and chronic
• Treatment: Antivirals
• Prevention: Hep B vaccine

Hepatitis E

• Transmission: Fecal-oral route (food and water)
• Infection Type: Acute only
• Complications: Third trimester pregnancy
• Treatment: Supportive care
• Prevention: Hand hygiene, safe eating practices

Recap and Comparisons

• Hep A & E: Fecal-oral, acute infections, Hep A vaccine exists
• Hep B, C, D: Blood/body fluids, acute and chronic, Hep B vaccine
• Chronic Treatment: Antivirals and interferon

Patient Education (Mnemonic: HEPATITIS)

• H: Hand washing
• E: Eat low-fat, high-carb diet
• P: Personal hygiene products not shared
• A: Activity conservation
• T: Toxic substances avoided
• I: Individual bathrooms
• T: Testing results
• I: Interferon administration
• S: Small but frequent meals

Lab Results

• Liver Enzymes: ALT (7-56 U/L), AST (10-40 U/L)
• Bilirubin: <1 mg/dL
• Ammonia: 15-45 mcg/dL
• Treatment for High Ammonia: Lactulose

Phases of Viral Hepatitis

• Pre-ictaric (Prodromal): General symptoms
• Ictaric: Jaundice, dark urine, clay stool
• Post-ictaric: Recovery phase

Conclusion

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