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Aetiology of fatal viral hepatitis in Melbourne. A retrospective study

M McNeil, J F Hoy, M J Richards

    The Medical Journal of Australia
    |November 10, 1984
    PubMed

    Insights

    Fulminant hepatic failure caused 0.84% of viral hepatitis deaths. Non-A non-B hepatitis had the highest fatality rate, especially in young children and older adults.

    Area of Science:

    • Hepatology
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Public Health

    Background:

    • Acute viral hepatitis is a significant cause of liver disease.
    • Fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) is a rare but severe complication of viral hepatitis.
    • Understanding risk factors and mortality rates is crucial for patient management.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To determine the mortality rate of acute viral hepatitis.
    • To analyze case-fatality rates for different hepatitis types (A, B, non-A non-B).
    • To identify patient demographics with the highest risk of FHF.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective analysis of patient data from Fairfield Hospital, Melbourne (1971-1983).
    • Inclusion criteria: patients admitted with acute viral hepatitis.
    • Calculation of case-fatality rates based on hepatitis type and patient age.

    Main Results:

    • Overall FHF mortality was 0.84% (46/5477 patients).
    • Case-fatality rates: Hepatitis A (0.14%), Hepatitis B (0.84%), Non-A Non-B (NANB) hepatitis (2.29%).
    • Highest rates observed in post-transfusion Hepatitis B (18.8%), NANB hepatitis in <5 years (50%) and ≥40 years (10%).

    Conclusions:

    • NANB hepatitis poses a higher risk of FHF compared to Hepatitis A and B.
    • Age is a critical factor influencing FHF mortality in NANB hepatitis patients.
    • Prompt diagnosis and management are essential, particularly for high-risk groups.

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