Atypical manifestations of viral hepatitis A and E.

Acute viral hepatitis A and E (HAV/HEV) are usually self-limiting illnesses. However, they can have atypical presentations which lead to increased morbidity and mortality. We studied 81 patients from all age groups admitted with these infections at our centre over a 1 year period. Acute liver failure, prolonged cholestasis, ascites and haemolysis are common atypical manifestations of acute viral HAV and HEV. Relapsing hepatitis, ascites and double peak jaundice were seen more often in the paediatric age group.