Viral hepatitis: progress and problems

The recognition of viral hepatitis has been facilitated by the use of serologic studies for types A, B, and non-A, non-B. The course is best determined by serum enzyme determinations, followed by clearance studies of bile acids or dyes once the serum enzymes return to normal. In patients with persisting clinical or biochemical abnormalities and those in which the nature of the disease is not known, liver biopsy should be done.