| Theme |
Acute Liver Injury ： Drug-induced and Viral Liver Injuries |
| Title |
Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Hepatitis B |
| Author |
Daisuke Maruoka |
Department of Medicine and Clinical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University |
| Author |
Tatsuo Kanda |
Department of Medicine and Clinical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University |
| Author |
Osamu Yokosuka |
Department of Medicine and Clinical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University |
| [ Summary ] |
Acute hepatitis B is a necro-inflammatory disease of the liver due to the hepatitis B virus (HBV). In Japan, the number of new HBV infected people, due to blood transfusions has markedly decreased. On the other hand, the number of those infected with genotype Ae related to sexual behavior has markedly increased. HBs antigens usually disappear within two to four months. However, when HBs antigens are continuously present for over six months, therapy may be necessary for this prolonged hepatitis. The prognosis for acute hepatitis B is relatively positive. However, in cases exhibiting prolonged prothrombin time, consultation with specialists may be necessary. Intensive therapies, including artificial liver support, should be initiated in cases of fulminant hepatitis or late onset hepatic failure (LOHF). |