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Hepatitis A

Marie L Borum, MD, EdD, MPH and Nouf O Turki, MD Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Infections are caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), a member of the Hepatovirus genus. HAV infections are common worldwide and primarily involve the liver. HAV has distinct feature...

DIAGNOSIS

Case definition for acute Hepatitis A (1
Clinical Criteria 
  • An acute illness with a discrete onset of any sign or symptom consistent with acute viral hepatitis (e.g., fever, headache, malai...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Maintain appropriate nutrition/hydration; avoid alcohol. Universal precautions to prevent spread

  • Monitor coagulation defects, fluid, electrolytes, acid–base imbalance, hypogly...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Return to work/school 10 to 14 days after onset of symptoms with diligence to hygiene (patients remain infectious for up to 4 weeks from symptom onset). 

Patient Monitoring

REFERENCES

1
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hepatitis A questions and answers for health professionals. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/havfaq.htm. Accessed November 2, 2022.
2
Nelson NP, ...

SEE ALSO

  • Hepatitis B; Hepatitis C

  • Algorithms: Cirrhosis; Hyperbilirubinemia and Jaundice

CODES

ICD10

B15.9 Hepatitis A without hepatic coma 

SNOMED

  • 25102003 acute type A viral hepatitis (disorder)

  • 310875001 Hepatitis A - current infection (finding)

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • HAV vaccine is indicated for all children, travelers (particularly to endemic areas), those at elevated risk of disease, and patients with liver impairment.

  • Check HAV IgG in all HIV-pos...

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