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Treatment
Since
Jon's diagnosis was confirmed by his immune response to the
presence of the virus, the physicians agreed that treatment for
dehydration was the most appropriate course of action. Jon was
given intravenous fluids for one day and released from the
hospital. He was prescribed bed rest. Follow-up laboratory
tests showed a steady and eventual full recovery.
Laura,
on the other hand had acquired hepatitis
B, and with
it the potential of more serious side effects. In some patients
with underlying medical problems, there is the ability to reduce
the possibility of long term effects by administering alpha
interferon,
(click on interferon) a relatively new substance available for
reducing the tendency to become a carrier of hepatitis B. Since
she was essentially a healthy young person, she was released,
prescribed bed rest and good nutritional habits were recommended.
Follow-up liver tests showed a steady improvement in Laura's
liver function. Unfortunately, as with other post hepatitis
B patients, the possibility of transmission to others remains
present.
27.
What are some of the possible long term consequences from chronic
hepatitis?
28.
How is Hepatitis A treated differently than Hepatitis B?
How are the treatments similar?
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