Toxic Hepatitis

Toxic Hepatitis

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

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.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007