DESCRIPTION
Hepatitis caused by one of the hepatotropic viruses, hepatitis A, B, C and E.
Hepatitis A and E only cause acute hepatitis, whilst B and C cause acute and chronic hepatitis.
GENERAL MEASURES
Acute hepatitis
Bed-rest until acute phase is over.
Avoid alcohol during the illness and for at least 6 months after clinical
recovery.
In cases of hepatitis B serologically screen sexual contacts. If they are seronegative (Anti-HBs negative) then they should receive hepatitis B active immunization.
MEDICINE TREATMENT
For nausea and vomiting:
Metoclopramide, IV/oral, 10 mg 8 hourly as required.
Hepatitis B virus: prophylaxis following exposure e.g. needle stick injury
Persons at risk can be protected by passive immunization with hyper immune serum globulin prepared from blood containing anti-HBs.
It is essential that all categories of healthcare workers (HCW) who are at risk of exposure, including cleaning staff, be fully vaccinated against hepatitis B.
All exposure incidents must be adequately documented for possible subsequent compensation.
Recommended post-exposure prophylaxis for hepatitis B in HCW.
HbsAg: hepatitis B surface antigen HbsAb: hepatitis B surface antibody
HBIG: hepatitis B immune globulin
Reference and further reading
Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa 2012 Edition
Be the first to comment