Investigation of liver dysfunction: who should we test for hepatitis E?

Aim: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is endemic in developed countries, but unrecognized infection is common. Many national guidelines now recommend HEV testing in patients with acute hepatitis irrespective of travel history. The biochemical definition of 'hepatitis' that best predicts HEV infection has not been established.

The natural history of autoimmune hepatitis presenting with jaundice.

Background: Forty percent of patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) present with acute jaundice/hepatitis. Such patients, when treated promptly, are thought to have a good prognosis.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to describe the natural history of AIH in patients presenting with jaundice/hepatitis and to determine whether the diagnosis could have been made earlier, before presentation.