[Hepatitis A--new aspects of an old disease]

Since decades, hepatitis A has been a very rare disease in most industrialized countries. According to this, immune reactivity in the adult population is low and susceptibility for the infection is high. Thus, endemic cumlations of hepatitis A diseases are possible. The rate of complications in patients aged over 40 years has increased. Chronic courses in hepatitis A do not exist. There is no specific treatment against the virus. Management of hepatitis A is mainly supportive and symptomatic. There is no indication for steroids. Years ago, a liver diet was the basis of every treatment in every acute hepatitis. This should be refused because there is no reason for this measure.