Biliary tract disease and acute non-A-E hepatitis in Hong Kong: prospective study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the role of biliary tract disease in patients with acute non-A-E hepatitis.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Infectious diseases unit, government hospital, Hong Kong.


METHODS
Sixty-one consecutive patients, admitted with the diagnosis of acute hepatitis and negative hepatitis serology for hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E virus.


METHODS
Abdominal ultrasound and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography findings; clinical outcome.


RESULTS
Ultrasonographic abnormalities indicating biliary tract disease were found in 30% (18/61) of patients. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography performed in 78% (14/18) of patients with abnormal ultrasound finding(s) confirmed the presence of biliary tract disease. Age, sex, serum alanine aminotransferase level, and serum albumin level were independent predictors of biliary tract disease in the patients studied.


CONCLUSIONS
Biliary tract diseases were found in 20% of patients with acute non-A-E hepatitis. Serum amylase and abdominal ultrasonography should be performed for all patients presenting with acute non-A-E hepatitis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is indicated for those with apparent gallstones or abnormal biliary tract findings.
Chau
T N
TN
Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Princess Margaret Hospital, Kwai Chung, Hong Kong.
Sung
J J
JJ
Kwan
C P
CP
Ng
C
C
Lai
J Y
JY
Lai
T S
TS
Yuen
H
H
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D001660:Biliary Tract Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; D005260:Female; D006505:Hepatitis / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000150:complications; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000410:Alanine Transaminase