Clinical Profile and Outcome of Acute Viral Hepatitis in Hospitalized Patients: A Prospective Observational Study
Jashan Singla, Monica Bhagat, Amrit Kaur, Omesh Goyal, Harmeet Pal Singh DhooriaAbstract
Introduction:
Acute viral hepatitis (AVH) is a major public health concern in developing countries, including India, where it is caused by the hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses. Documenting the clinical profile and outcomes of hospitalized patients with AVH in a systematic way is important for guiding management decisions and informing public health strategies.
Materials and Methods:
This was a prospective observational study carried out at the Department of Medicine and Gastroenterology, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital Ludhiana, over 12 months (May 2024 to May 2025). A total of 203 adults aged 18 years or older with serologically confirmed AVH were enrolled. Clinical features, biochemical parameters, complications, and outcomes, including discharge, death, and discharge against medical advice, were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26 with Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis, Chi-square, and Fisher’s exact tests;
Results:
The mean age was 26.1 ± 6.3 years, and males predominated at 75.4%. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) was the leading cause at 83.3%, followed by hepatitis E virus (HEV) at 8.4% and mixed HAV-HEV co-infection in another 8.4%. Jaundice (93.6%), nausea (86.7%), myalgia (77.3%), and fever (69.5%) were the most common presenting symptoms. Acute liver failure (ALF) occurred in 27.6% of patients and was the most important predictor of outcome; all 11 deaths (5.4%) were confined to the ALF group. Hemolysis was found in 15.3% and was linked to significantly worse outcomes. In all, 89.7% of patients were discharged, 5.4% died, and 4.9% left against medical advice.
Conclusion:
HAV is now the dominant cause of hospitalized AVH in young adults in this region, reflecting a shift from the traditionally childhood-onset pattern. ALF is the critical determinant of mortality, and early identification of high-risk features such as encephalopathy, coagulopathy, hemolysis, and renal dysfunction is essential for timely intervention. Hepatitis A vaccination and improvements in water safety and sanitation are urgently needed.