Chronic persistent hepatitis is a mild illness comprising fatigue, poor appetite, fatty food intolerance and upper abdominal discomfort, especially over the liver.
The condition may be asymptomatic and recognised only because of a previous episode of acute hepatitis or because of biochemical tests undertaken for other reasons. Examination is usually normal but may show slight hepatomegaly. There are no features of chronic liver disease.
The plasma bilirubin is normal or slightly raised, the plasma aminotransferase is raised variably, and the alkaline phosphatase is normal. Plasma albumin and globulin concentration are normal. One or other of the causes of chronic liver disease may be present, But auto antibodies are not found in the blood.
Differentiation should be made from the post hepatitis syndrome, Gilbert's syndrome and from sclerosing cholangitis associated with ulcerative colitis or crohn's disease. The prognosis is usually excellent. The patient should be reassured, and no treatment is required. Rarely, progression to chronic active hepatitis or cirrhosis may occur.
The condition may be asymptomatic and recognised only because of a previous episode of acute hepatitis or because of biochemical tests undertaken for other reasons. Examination is usually normal but may show slight hepatomegaly. There are no features of chronic liver disease.
The plasma bilirubin is normal or slightly raised, the plasma aminotransferase is raised variably, and the alkaline phosphatase is normal. Plasma albumin and globulin concentration are normal. One or other of the causes of chronic liver disease may be present, But auto antibodies are not found in the blood.
Differentiation should be made from the post hepatitis syndrome, Gilbert's syndrome and from sclerosing cholangitis associated with ulcerative colitis or crohn's disease. The prognosis is usually excellent. The patient should be reassured, and no treatment is required. Rarely, progression to chronic active hepatitis or cirrhosis may occur.
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