hepatitis, viral Liver inflammation caused by a virus. Specific hepatitis viruses have been labeled A, B, C, D, and E. Some other viruses, such as the Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus, can also cause hepatitis, but the liver is not their primary target.
hepatitis A Inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), which is usually transmitted by food or drink that has been handled by an infected person whose hygiene is poor. Symptoms include nausea, fever, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and/or eyes), although some patients have no symptoms at all. Hepatitis A…
hepatitis A immunization A vaccine that may be considered for individuals in high-risk settings for contracting the hepatitis A virus. Two hepatitis A vaccines (brand names: Havrix and Vaqta) are commercially available in the US. Both are highly effective and provide protection even after one dose. Two doses are recommended for adults, and three doses…
hepatitis B Inflammation of the liver due to the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which can be transmitted through blood products, needle sticks, body piercing and tattooing with unsterilized instruments, the dialysis process, sexual and even less intimate close contact, and childbirth. Symptoms include fatigue, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, and light stools. Diagnosis is made…
hepatitis B immune globulin HBIG.
hepatitis B immunization A vaccine that protects against both hepatitis B and hepatitis D. It gives prolonged protection, but three shots over 6 months are usually required. Hepatitis B immunization is one of the recommended childhood vaccinations. Adults in high-risk situations, including health care workers, dentists, intimate and household contacts of patients with chronic hepatitis…
hepatitis C Inflammation of the liver due to the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is usually spread via blood transfusion, hemodialysis, and needle sticks. HCV causes most transfusion-associated hepatitis, and the damage it does to the liver can lead to cirrhosis and cancer. Transmission of the virus by sexual contact is rare. At least half…
hepatitis D Liver inflammation due to the hepatitis D virus (HDV), which causes disease only in patients who additionally have the hepatitis B virus. Transmission occurs via infected blood, needles, or sexual contact with an infected person. Symptoms are identical to those of hepatitis B. HDV infection can be prevented with the hepatitis B vaccine…
hepatitis E A rare form of liver inflammation caused by infection with the hepatitis E virus (HEV). It is transmitted via food or drink handled by an infected person or through infected water supplies in areas where fecal matter may get into the water. Hepatitis E does not cause chronic liver disease. There is no…
hepatitis G A virus isolated from the blood of some patients with posttransfusion hepatitis that is hypothesized to be a cause of hepatitis by some investigators, but the virus has not yet been confirmed as a cause of acute or chronic hepatitis.
hemodialysis See dialysis.
hemoglobin The oxygen-carrying protein pigment in the blood, specifically in the red blood cells. Abbreviated Hb. Hb is usually measured as total Hb expressed as the amount of Hb in grams (gm) per deciliter (dl) of whole blood. The normal ranges are approximately 14 to 17 gm/dl for adult men and 12 to 15 gm/dl…