Toxic Hepatitis

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of toxic hepatitis vary, depending on the cause. However, some of the more common include:

• Jaundice , a condition that causes a yellow tint in the skin and eyes
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Dark urine
• Diarrhea
• White or clay-colored stools

Diagnosis

In making a diagnosis of toxic hepatitis, your doctor will ask about your medical history, including detailed information regarding your medications, use of herbs or other over-the-counter nutritional supplements and alcohol consumption. Your doctor also will carry out a thorough physical exam, which can be helpful in determining the presence or absence of significant chronic liver disease. The following tests may be performed to assess the presence and severity of liver damage.

• Liver Function Tests -- These include a series of special blood tests than can help determine if the liver is functioning properly. These tests also can assist in determining the extent and type of liver damage.

• Ultrasound -- An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs and systems within your body. An ultrasound may be performed to generate detailed pictures of your liver.

• Computed Tomography (CT) -- Your doctor also may suggest a computerized tomography, also known as a CT scan, to obtain two-dimensional images of your liver. CT is an X-ray technique that produces more detailed images of your internal organs than do conventional X-ray exams. This technology uses an X-ray-sensing unit, which rotates around your body, and a large computer to create cross-sectional images of the inside of your body.

• Liver Biopsy -- A biopsy may be performed following blood tests and X-rays if questions still exist about the nature and severity of your liver problem. During a biopsy, a small sample of tissue is removed from your liver using a thin needle. The tissue is prepared and stained in a laboratory for examination under a microscope.

Treatment

The first and most important step in treating toxic hepatitis is to identify and eliminate the substance that is causing the problem, such as medications, herbs or alcohol. In the case of alcohol-related liver damage, joining a treatment program such as Alcoholics Anonymous is highly recommended. Alcoholism is a serious addiction and without the proper treatment and support networks, many people experience a relapse and return to alcohol.

Liver Transplantation

The UCSF Liver Transplant Program, which integrates the efforts of gastroenterologists and surgeons, performs over 100 transplants each year, making it one of the leading programs in the U.S. Survival statistics are among the very best in the country. Urgent liver transplantation should be considered for patients with life-threatening liver damage caused by a medication, herb or nutritional supplement. Patients with end-stage cirrhosis from alcohol may be considered for transplantation. However, they are considered candidates for transplantation only if they have been completely abstinent from alcohol and in a treatment program for a minimum of six months.