Serum cholesterol levels three years before and after viral hepatitis

The serum cholesterol levels 3 years before and 3 years after an acute episode of hepatitis in 12 men aged 21-36 were compared to those in 22 age-matched controls. Serum cholesterol increased significantly during the acute icteric phase of the illness and remained elevated for 3 years after recovery. We conclude that cholesterol metabolism does not return to the prehepatitic state even 3 years after recovery.