Korean J Gastroenterol.  2008 Nov;52(5):298-303.

Clinical Features of Acute Hepatitis A in Recent Two YearsClinical Features of Acute Hepatitis A in Recent Two Years

• Lee EJ
• Kwon SY
• Seo TH
• Yun HS
• Cho HS
• Kim BK
• Choe WH
• Lee CH
• Kim JN
• Yim HJ

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The purpose of this study was to characterize the clinical features of acute hepatitis A in Seoul and Gyeonggi province during the recent 2 years.
METHODS
We reviewed the medical records of 222 patients who were diagnosed as acute hepatitis A between August 2005 and March 2007 at the Konkuk University Hospital and Korea University, Ansan Hospital. The clinical manifestation, serological tests, and image findings were analyzed.
RESULTS
Median age of the patients was 28.1 years and the age groups of highest incidence were the second and third decade. The frequent symptoms were anorexia (66.4%), fatigue (49.2%), fever (47.7%), and abdominal discomfort (42.5%). Fourteen cases (6.3%) showed renal insufficiency, and hemodialysis was performed in one. Cholestatic hepatitis in 2 cases, relapsing hepatitis in 4 cases and prolonged hepatitis in 13 cases were observed. However, there was no case of fulminant hepatitis or death. The underlying diseases including chronic hepatitis B, diabetes mellitus and thyroid disorder did not affect the disease severity of hepatitis A. IgM anti-HAV was not detected initially in 6.7% of the patients. Anti-HEV (IgM) was detected simultaneously in 3 of 150 patients. CONCULSIONS: The age of patients with acute hepatitis A has been increased in the recent years. Most patients recovered uneventfully. However, unusual patterns of severe hepatitis and renal insufficiency occurred in considerable number of cases. Follow-up serologic test for IgM anti-HAV is needed in seronegative cases with hepatitis A

Keyword

Hepatitis A; Epidemiology; Hepatitis A antibodies

MeSH Terms

Acute Disease
Adolescent
Adult
Age Distribution
Child
Child, Preschool
Female
Hepatitis A/*diagnosis/immunology
Hepatitis A Antibodies/metabolism
Hepatitis A Virus, Human/immunology
Humans
Immunoglobulin M/blood
Male
Middle Aged
Serologic Tests
Suburban Population