| Theme |
Acute Liver Injury ： Drug-induced and Viral Liver Injuries |
| Title |
Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatitis E |
| Author |
Jong-Hon Kang |
Center for Gastroenterology, Teine Keijinkai Hospital |
| [ Summary ] |
The incidence of acute hepatitis E in Japan, has been recognized to be closely related with middle aged or older males who reside in the North Eastern area of the country. Zoonotic food-borne manner is thought to be peculiar transmission route for indigenous hepatitis E virus (HEV). Diagnosis of acute HEV infection is based on viremia confirmed with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or detection of anti HEV in early sera samples. The incidence of fulminant progression of hepatitis may be comparable to that observed in acute hepatitis B. Genotype 4 and advanced age, as well as the existence of background liver disease before HEV infection, are regarded as factors which correlate with serious progression. An optimal treatment for hepatitis E with acute hepatic failure has not yet been developed. |