Clinical features
The presentation of chronic HBV infection is variable. It may: (1)
- be clinically silent without evidence of a preceding acute attack - diagnosis is made incidentally at the time of blood donation or a routine blood screen.
- follow an unresolved acute episode which is usually mild - the patient is often generally unwell and complains of fatigue but otherwise is symptom free. There is biochemical evidence of continued viral activity.
- present as established liver disease - often, there is no evidence of a previous attack. Jaundice, ascites and portal hypertension are common. Encephalopathy is rare. Some present with hepatocellular liver cancer.
Reference
- Trépo C, Chan HL, Lok A. Hepatitis B virus infection. Lancet. 2014 Dec 06;384(9959):2053-63.
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