Acute Hepatitis
Uganda2023

Clinical management of Acute Hepatitis in Uganda

Uganda Clinical Guidelines 2023 · all from source →

General Adult

Diagnosis

1.

Clinical Features

Classic form: fever, fatigue, malaise, right upper quadrant discomfort, nausea, anorexia, followed by jaundice, dark urine, clay-coloured stool. Fulminant form: acute liver failure due to massive necrosis (often fatal). CBC, LFTs, Viral antigens/antibodies (HepB, HepC), HIV serology.

Treatment

1.

Classic Form

Supportive management. Rest and hydration. Diet: high in carbohydrates/vitamins/vegetable proteins. AVOID animal proteins. AVOID ANY DRUG (they may aggravate symptoms, especially sedatives/hepatotoxic drugs).

2.

Severe/Fulminant Form

Refer if patient has features of liver failure or decompensated liver disease. Institute barrier nursing/personal hygiene.