Hepatitis B

Description Hepatitis B is a vi...

Description

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that damages the liver. Most people have a brief period of symptoms and then clear the virus. Others develop chronic (long term) inflammation of the liver. The virus is spread through contact with infected blood, semen, or vaginal fluids. The virus is most commonly spread through sexual contact with an infected person, or through sharing of injection drug equipment (needles). Infected mothers can pass the virus to their child during birth. Individuals at most risk are those workers exposed to blood (healthcare workers) and individuals who practice unprotected sex or share needles. An immunization (vaccine) is available against hepatitis B.

Symptoms

Symptoms can occur between 6 weeks and 6 months after being infected, with an average of 3 to 4 months. Symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, nausea and abdominal pain. Some people experience jaundice (yellow coloring of the skin and eyes).

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A complete history and physical exam will be performed. Blood tests will be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Hepatitis profile, Activated partial thromboplastin (aPTT or PTT), Prothrombin test (PT, INR)

Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pediatric Gastroenterology

Treatment

Acute hepatitis B does not usually require treatment. There is no cure for chronic hepatitis B. The treatments prescribed most often for chronic hepatitis B are alpha interferon or an antiviral agent, such as entecavir or tenofovir. In some instances, the infection causes liver failure and those individuals may be considered for a liver transplant.