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Clinical features

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Patients with very mild hepatitis are often asymptomatic, hepatitis being detected only on biopsy.

Fatigue, anorexia and weight loss with pyrexia and tender hepatomegaly typifies mild hepatitis.

Moderate alcoholic hepatitis usually presents with vomiting, diarrhoea, an intercurrent infection - such as pneumonia or a urinary tract infection, or prolonged anorexia.

In severe alcoholic hepatitis, presentation is often with pyrexia, anorexia, and repeated vomiting. Right upper quadrant pain is common.

Examination usually reveals deep jaundice and tender hepatomegaly. An arterial bruit is heard over the liver in half of cases. Florid spider naevi are often evident. Ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, a bleeding diathesis and other signs of liver failure may be present. Many patients are malnourished and show signs of vitamin deficiency.

Paracetamol may precipitate severe alcoholic hepatitis.


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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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