[Epidemiology, clinical aspects and prognosis of viral hepatitis A, B and non-A, non-B].

Abstract

293 cases of acute hepatitis occurring within two years were analyzed with regard to type of viral infection, clinical course and outcome. Infections occurring in high risk groups as in drug addicts, transfused patients and medical staff were evaluated separately. Within the "posttransfusion group" there was a relatively high incidence of hepatitis B virus infection, high-lighting the need for more extensive screening of blood products for the hepatitis B virus. The prognosis of the disease was independent of time of stay in hospital, of treatment with beta-Cyanidanol and vitamins and of accidental corticosteroid therapy. The highest prevalence of chronicity was found in the Non-A-Non-B group.