What Are the Symptoms and Consequences of Hepatitis D Infection?
Acute hepatitis D occurs in two forms: co-infection and superinfection. • In co-infection, acute hepatitis B and D occur simultaneously. It is usually a self-limited disorder (which will clear up on its own) and rarely leads to chronic liver disease. • Superinfection occurs when acute hepatitis D develops in a patient who is a chronic hepatitis B carrier. Approximately 20 to 25% of patients with chronic hepatitis B ultimately become superinfected with hepatitis D and about 80% of these individuals eventually develop chronic hepatitis. Of those who have chronic hepatitis, 70 to 80% develop cirrhosis and portal hypertension (involving obstruction of the portal vein within the liver). Almost 25% of these patients will die of liver failure. The clinical signs and symptoms of acute hepatitis D include: • malaise (a general feeling of being sick); • fatigue; • poor appetite; • nausea and vomiting; • pain or tenderness in the area of the liver; • darkened urine; • lightened stool; and • jaund
