Mr. Li's Recovery from Acute Hepatitis A Through Effective Medical Treatment
Acute viral hepatitis can strike anyone at any age, and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a full recovery. This article highlights the case of Mr. Li, a 50-year-old male who was diagnosed with acute icteric hepatitis A. Despite experiencing symptoms such as fever, dark urine, nausea, and elevated liver enzymes, he successfully recovered after undergoing a comprehensive treatment plan involving liver-protecting medications and supportive care.
Key Information
- Patient: Male, 50 years old
- Diagnosis: Acute Icteric Hepatitis A
- Hospital: Liaoning Provincial People's Hospital
- Treatment Period: July 2017
- Treatment: Combination therapy including Silymarin capsules, Magnesium Isoglycyrrhizinate injection, Ornithine Aspartate injection, Ademetionine injection, Yin Zhi Huang granules, and Pantoprazole Sodium injection
- Duration: 28 days inpatient treatment, followed by 2 weeks of outpatient follow-up
- Outcome: Full recovery with normalized liver function tests
Initial Presentation
Mr. Li visited the clinic complaining of persistent fever and fatigue for six days, followed by dark yellow urine, poor appetite, nausea, and vomiting for three days. His initial body temperature was recorded at 38°C, and he had taken acetaminophen to reduce the fever. He reported increasing fatigue and significant digestive discomfort, which made eating nearly impossible. Blood tests revealed severely elevated liver enzymes—ALT over 2588 U/L and total bilirubin at 215 μmol/L. Physical examination showed severe jaundice and tenderness in the liver area. After confirming positive IgM antibodies for hepatitis A and ruling out other liver diseases via abdominal CT and blood work, he was diagnosed with acute icteric hepatitis A and admitted for isolation and treatment.
Treatment Plan and Progress
Upon admission, Mr. Li was placed under gastrointestinal isolation and advised to rest completely. His treatment plan included intravenous and oral medications to support liver function, reduce inflammation, and alleviate jaundice. He received Magnesium Isoglycyrrhizinate and Ornithine Aspartate injections to lower liver enzymes and improve liver metabolism, while Ademetionine and Silymarin capsules were used to protect and regenerate liver cells. Yin Zhi Huang granules were administered to reduce bilirubin levels, and Pantoprazole was given to protect the gastric mucosa due to his nausea and vomiting.
Response to Treatment
Initially, despite a reduction in ALT levels to 1504 U/L, his bilirubin continued to rise to 326.5 μmol/L, indicating an ongoing icteric phase. However, after two weeks of consistent therapy, his bilirubin levels began to decline, and liver enzymes showed further improvement. By day 28, his ALT had normalized, and total bilirubin dropped to 59.2 μmol/L. His gastrointestinal symptoms had largely subsided, allowing for a gradual tapering of intravenous medications. He continued oral therapy with Silymarin and Yin Zhi Huang granules for four additional days to ensure full stabilization before being discharged.
Post-Treatment Care and Recommendations
While Mr. Li was discharged as clinically cured, the recovery process for hepatitis A can take several weeks to months. It was recommended that he continue to rest, avoid physical overexertion, and maintain a positive mindset to support liver regeneration. Nutrition played a key role in his recovery, and he was advised to follow a high-protein, vitamin-rich diet including dairy, eggs, lean meats, fruits, and legumes. Staying well-hydrated with water, fruit juices, and broths was also emphasized to aid in toxin elimination. Spicy and processed foods were strictly avoided during the recovery phase.
Understanding Hepatitis A and Prevention
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), typically transmitted through the fecal-oral route. Consuming contaminated food or water, especially undercooked shellfish or produce irrigated with untreated sewage, can lead to infection. Common symptoms include fever, fatigue, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, and jaundice. Early detection and medical intervention are essential not only for recovery but also for preventing the spread of the virus to others.
If you or someone you know experiences symptoms like unexplained fatigue, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin and eyes, it's important to seek medical attention promptly. Hepatitis A is preventable through good hygiene practices and vaccination, especially for those traveling to or living in high-risk areas.