有毒 肝炎
Overview
The liver processes almost everything a person consumes, 包括化学物质, medications and alcohol. 在某些情况下, these substances may cause serious injury to the liver, resulting in toxic hepatitis — a condition that causes inflammation of the liver.
原因
药物
Many medications have the potential to cause liver toxicity and carry a warning on their label to this effect. In most cases when problems occur, they are mild and only apparent from blood tests, and can be resolved by reducing the dose of medication or discontinuing use.
在极少数情况下, 然而, some patients have an idiosyncratic reaction to a drug, causing massive destruction of liver cells and rapidly developing liver failure. 病人 experiencing a severe idiosyncratic drug reaction must stop taking the drug immediately. They also require an urgent referral to a transplant center for a liver transplant, which may be life-saving.
Herbs and Nutritional Supplements
Despite their widespread availability, some herbs and nutritional supplements may cause toxic hepatitis. It is important to note that these substances are not subject to the same regulations, testing or approval processes as conventional drugs. Studies have shown that some herbs and nutritional supplements are adulterated with steroids or antibiotics.
Herbs that may be toxic to the liver include comfrey, 茂密的树丛, 石蚕属植物, 卡瓦胡椒, 缬草, mistletoe and traditional Chinese herbs. People with liver disease should not use herbs or nutritional supplements without the approval of their doctor.
酒精
酒精 abuse is well known to cause liver damage, but the extent of injury varies widely among people who drink to excess. In individuals who are prone to alcohol-related liver injury — possibly due to genetics — heavy drinking can result in acute liver failure, a life-threatening condition that requires hospitalization and intensive care. Other people may develop progressive liver disease from regular, heavy use of alcohol.
The goal of treatment is to eliminate alcohol from the diet and treat the psychological dependence on alcohol. Even at the advanced stage of 肝硬化, liver disease from alcohol may show significant improvement with total abstinence from alcohol.
Our Approach to 有毒 肝炎
UCSF offers the most advanced diagnostic and treatment options for patients with toxic hepatitis. The first and most important step we will take is to identify and eliminate the substance that's causing the condition. This may be a medication, an herbal or other nutritional supplement, certain chemicals or alcohol. When alcohol is causing a patient's liver inflammation, we will need to address the underlying substance use disorder.
有毒 hepatitis can lead to severe liver damage or failure. In these cases, a liver transplant may be necessary. Our liver transplant program, designated a center of excellence by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is known for outstanding outcomes and for helping pioneer techniques that have made transplants safer 和更多的 successful. We perform more than 100 transplants each year, and our survival statistics are among the very best in the country.
奖 & 识别
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Among the top hospitals in the nation
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One of the nation's best in gastroenterology & 胃肠道手术
迹象 & 症状
迹象 and 症状 of toxic hepatitis vary, depending on the cause. 然而, some of the more common include:
- Jaundice, a condition that causes a yellow tint in the skin and eyes
- 乏力
- 食欲不振
- 恶心和呕吐
- 头疼
- 腹部疼痛
- 尿色深
- 腹泻
- White or clay-colored stools
诊断
In making a diagnosis of toxic hepatitis, your doctor will ask about your medical history, including detailed information regarding your medications, use of herbs or other over-the-counter nutritional supplements and alcohol consumption. Your doctor also will carry out a thorough physical exam, which can be helpful in determining the presence or absence of significant chronic liver disease.
The following tests may be performed to assess the presence and severity of liver damage:
- 肝功能检查 其中包括 series of special blood tests than can help determine if the liver is functioning properly. These tests also can assist in determining the extent and type of liver damage.
- 超声波 An 超声波 uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs and systems within your body. An 超声波 may be performed to generate detailed pictures of your liver.
- Computed Tomography (CT) Your doctor also may suggest a computed tomography scan, also known as a CT scan, to obtain two-dimensional images of your liver. CT is an X-Ray technique that produces more detailed images of your internal organs than conventional X-Ray exams. This technology uses an X-Ray sensing unit, which rotates around your body, and a large computer to create cross-sectional images of the inside of your body.
- 肝活组织检查 A 活组织检查 may be performed following blood tests and X-Rays if questions still exist about the nature and severity of your liver problem. During a 活组织检查, a small sample of tissue is removed from your liver using a thin needle. The tissue is prepared and stained in a laboratory for examination under a microscope.
治疗
The first and most important step in treating toxic hepatitis is to identify and eliminate the substance that is causing the problem, 比如药物, 草药或酒精. In the case of alcohol-related liver damage, joining a treatment program such as 匿名戒酒互助社 is highly recommended. 酒精ism is a serious addiction and without the proper treatment and support networks, many people experience a relapse and return to alcohol.
肝移植
紧急的 肝移植 should be considered for patients with life-threatening liver damage caused by a medication, herb or nutritional supplement.
病人 with end-stage 肝硬化 from alcohol may be considered for transplantation. 然而, they are considered candidates for transplantation only if they have been completely abstinent from alcohol and in a treatment program for a minimum of six months.
加州大学旧金山分校健康 medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.
