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Chronic persistent hepatitis

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Definition:

Chronic persistent hepatitis is mild liver inflammation (swelling and irritation) that may be caused by various viruses and conditions.

Alternative Names:

Persistent hepatitis; Hepatitis - persistent; Chronic lobular hepatitis; Mild chronic hepatitis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Chronic persistent hepatitis can be caused by hepatitis B ( HBV ), hepatitis C ( HCV ), hepatitis D (HDV), autoimmune diseases such as lupus , various medications, and unknown (cryptogenic) causes. Most people have no symptoms.

Risk factors include previous viral hepatitis , having lupus or other autoimmune disease, and taking certain medications.

• Review Date: 7/28/2006
• Reviewed By: Charlotte Grayson, MD, Private Practice specializing in Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Smyrna, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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