Fulminant hepatitis

Definition

Fulminant hepatitis is a severe and sudden liver failure caused by rapid liver cell death, often due to viral infections like hepatitis B or C. It leads to coagulopathy, encephalopathy, and can be life-threatening.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fulminant hepatitis is characterized by the rapid onset of liver failure within 8 weeks of the initial symptoms of liver disease.
2. Common causes include viral infections such as hepatitis B and C, as well as toxins, drugs, and autoimmune diseases.
3. Symptoms include jaundice, confusion (hepatic encephalopathy), bleeding tendencies (coagulopathy), and multi-organ failure.
4. Diagnostic tools include blood tests showing elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin levels, as well as imaging studies like ultrasound or CT scans.
5. Treatment options are limited; they focus on managing symptoms and complications. Liver transplantation may be necessary in severe cases.

Related terms

Hepatitis B:

A viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease.

Hepatic Encephalopathy: A decline in brain function that occurs as a result of severe liver disease.

Liver Transplantation: A surgical procedure to replace a diseased liver with a healthy one from a donor.