Hepatitis A, E constitute 30% of acute liver failure cases: AIIMS

A study from the AIIMS has shown that hepatitis A and E together constitute 30 per cent of cases of acute liver failure, a condition with a high mortality of over 50 per cent. The study was conducted by the Department of Gastroenterology, AIIMS.

Hepatitis A and E, both of which are mainly transmitted through drinking water contaminated with faecal matter, are self-limiting infections and do not require any specific anti-viral drugs for treatment and are managed symptomatically, said Dr Pramod Garg, head of the Department of Gastroenterology.

“The spread of Hepatitis A and E can be largely prevented by ensuring access to safe and clean drinking water, safe food handling practices and by maintaining good hygiene,” he said.

Hepatitis B and C cause chronic liver disease and together are the most common cause of liver cirrhosis, liver cancer and viral hepatitis-related deaths, said Dr Deepak Gunjan, additional professor in the department, at the press conference.

Hepatitis B and C infections occur through exposure to infected blood, for example, unscreened blood transfusions, mother-to-child transmission during birth and delivery, unsafe sexual practices and injectable drug use, he said.

“Hepatitis B virus requires long-term treatment. For Hepatitis C virus infection, treatment for three months with antiviral drugs cures more than 95 per cent of the patients. Some patients with liver failure, advanced cirrhosis and cancer of the liver may require liver transplantation,” Shalimar said.

Apart from hepatitis viruses, the liver can be damaged by multiple factors, including an unhealthy lifestyle, consumption of alcohol, consumption of drugs and autoimmune diseases. Excess fat in the liver can result from excessive body weight, diabetes or a sedentary lifestyle, and this, if uncorrected, can also contribute to liver damage in the long term, said Dr Samagra Agarwal, assistant professor in the department.