title: Immunoprophylaxis of viral hepatitis.
abstract: Emergency physicians frequently encounter patients who have been or may have been exposed to viral hepatitis, and are often in a position to offer immunoprophylaxis. Needlestick exposure among hospital employees is endemic in any large hospital. Currently treatment of clinical hepatitis is only symptomatic; rational immunoprophylaxis is the only method available to influence the course of the disease. The basic types of viral hepatitis are reviewed, as are transmission of the disease, serologic tests, high risk groups, and immunoprophylactic agents. Treatment plans are outlined for different types of exposure, and an algorithm is included for management of needlestick exposure.
mesh_terms: D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007106:Immune Sera; D007114:Immunization; D012306:Risk
chemical_list: D007106:Immune Sera