Viral hepatitis E

Viral hepatitis E is an infectious lesion of the liver. The infection is transmitted by oral-fecal method, has an acute course and is most dangerous for pregnant women. The incubation period of the disease can last for several months. The general course of the disease is similar to viral hepatitis A.

This disease is common in countries with a tropical climate and in regions with a shortage of clean water supply (Central and South-East Asia, Africa).

Causes of viral hepatitis E

The source and reservoir of hepatitis E are carriers of infection and sick people. Although the period of contagion has not been definitively established, it is assumed that it takes the same time as with hepatitis A.

The virus is transmitted orally-fecally, usually through water. In some cases, the contact transmission path was fixed. When eating thermally untreated, raw shellfish, the risk of infection with this disease increases significantly.

Since the disease is transmitted, as a rule, by water, they have low foci, and its epidemics have a direct connection with the groundwater level and seasonal precipitation.

Pregnant women after the 30th week of pregnancy are most susceptible to this disease.

After an infection, a persistent immunity, lifelong, is developed in the human body.

Symptoms of viral hepatitis E

The clinical picture of the disease is similar to the symptoms of hepatitis A. The disease develops gradually. In the pre-jaundice period, patients have a loss of appetite, general malaise and weakness. It is characterized by the appearance of pain in the upper abdomen and in the right hypochondrium, and quite intense. Body temperature, as a rule, is within acceptable values. No skin rashes are noted.

Gradually, there is a functional disorder in the liver, the urine becomes dark, and the feces are discolored, a yellow tint appears on the skin. Intoxication is not observed, there is an increase in the liver, skin itching appears. Recovery is gradually coming.

In severe hepatitis, hemorrhagic syndrome may occur.

Diagnostic program of viral hepatitis E

Diagnosis of the disease involves the identification of specific viral antigens, for which a PCR study is performed. At the same time, a liver examination is prescribed to identify a possible threat of complications (MRI and ultrasound of the liver, liver tests, biochemical tests).

Therapy of viral hepatitis E

In the mild and moderate form of this disease, treatment is carried out in infectious departments. Heavy drinking and a strict diet with a low content of fatty acids and a predominance of fiber are prescribed. Symptomatic therapy includes taking antihistamines and antispasmodics, as needed, as well as oral detoxification.

In the case of a severe or complicated form of the disease, treatment is carried out in the intensive care unit. The patient is prescribed infusion detoxification, inhibitors and prednisone. If there is a real threat of hemorrhagic syndrome, plasma transfusion may be prescribed. In the treatment of hepatitis of this type in pregnant women, the issue of termination of pregnancy is decided individually, according to the clinical picture.

PREVENTION OF VIRAL HEPATITIS E
The main prevention of the disease is to control the state of water in tropical regions and improve living standards. Individual prevention includes the use of safe, clean water from proven sources. Pregnant women who go to countries that are unfavorable from this point of view, such as India, North Africa, Uzbekistan, should be especially attentive.

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