Sources of evidence

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A resolves in the majority of cases without any specific treatment.

Hepatitis B

General Practitioner factual reports provide information on diagnosis and management in those who have recovered from an acute attack of hepatitis B. They may also be useful in confirming chronic carriage of hepatitis B, or for people with chronic infection whose condition is stable, and who have few symptoms.

People who have had a severe episode of infection, those who have chronic hepatitis B and those being treated with drugs like interferon will be under hospital care. Similarly individuals with complications such as cirrhosis, and those being assessed for or awaiting liver transplantation, will be under the care of specialist liver centres. Reports should be obtained from hospital doctors or specialist nurses working in these clinics.

Hepatitis C

Initial diagnosis will follow blood testing and most people will be referred to hospital for assessment of disease severity. People who are chronic carriers or those who have mild disease and few symptoms may be followed up by General Practitioners. General practitioner reports will confirm the diagnosis and provide information on any functional limitations.

People with progressive disease (chronic hepatitis), those having drug therapy and with late manifestations such as cirrhosis are followed up in hospital clinics including specialist liver units. Hospital doctors and specialist nurses should be approached for reports. Medical Services can advise on the severity of the condition if this is not clear from information provided in medical reports.

Amended April 2008