Complications
Is hepatitis a self-limited illness or may get complicated?
Acute hepatitis is usually recovered completely either by stopping exposure to the predisposing factors or eliminating the causative agent using anti-microbial drugs otherwise complications are developed. On the other hand, chronic hepatitis is often complicated unless it is managed early. HCV and HBV patients are more likely to get health complications because they are usually get diagnosed late.
Hepatitis complications are numerous and serious if they aren’t properly controlled. Liver failure is the last station of complicated liver disease. Hepatic necrosis which is the death of a group of cells is often present in unmanaged HBV and HCV which subsequently leads to liver cirrhosis (fibrosis). Chronic hepatitis of alcoholism is the major cause of hepatocellular carcinomas that have a high mortality rate. Generalized edema (accumulation of fluids underneath the skin) is seen in patients with unresolved chronic hepatitis especially HCV.
Systemic affection of complicated hepatitis is believed to be end-stage preceding liver failure, it includes hepatic encephalopathy due to accumulation of toxin in the bloodstream irritating the brain which may lead to hepatic coma. Marked coagulopathy that is presented by bleeding from the slightest injuries is commonly present in complicated hepatitis. Esophageal varices (enlarged tortuous veins around the esophagus) is too serious to be neglected as it may rupture then immediate surgical interference is needed.
