ENLmedical.com: Conditions And Concerns: Medical Encyclopedia: Chronic persistent hepatitis

Chronic persistent hepatitis

Causes and Risks:
Chronic persistent hepatitis may be caused by hepatitis B or hepatitis C . Sometimes, the cause is not known. Most people have no symptoms. The incidence is 1 in 1,000 people. Risk factors are previous viral hepatitis .

Prevention:
People in high risk groups such as health care workers can receive a hepatitis B immunization (vaccine) .

Symptoms:

fatigue
lack of appetite
nausea
vomiting

Note: There may be no symptoms.

Signs and Tests:

hepatitis B surface antigen may be positive for a period of 6 months
hepatitis C antibody may be positive
liver biopsy shows chronic persistent hepatitis
liver enzymes are mildly elevated

Treatment:
No specific treatment is required.

Prognosis:
The chance for recovery is excellent.

Complications:
Progression to chronic active hepatitis is rare.

Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of hepatitis worsen or persist.