Acute Viral Hepatitis with Prolonged Cholestasis: Role of steroids and Experimental Therapies in Management

Background and Aim: Acute viral hepatitis is a systemic infection primarily affecting the liver, characterized by inflammation hepatocellular injury. While most cases of acute resolve within weeks to months, subset patients may develop prolonged cholestasis, marked persistent jaundice impaired bile flow resulting in intractable pruritis impairing quality life. Methods: In this prospective observational study, we followed 20 with who experienced cholestasis. We collected data on their clinical presentation, laboratory values, severity symptoms, management approaches, conducted comprehensive analysis. Results: found that 17 (85%) were positive for HAV, while 3 (15%) tested HEV. All received minimum maximum 5 antipruritic medical measures (including UDCA, Hyoscine, fexofenadine, cholestyramine, Naltrexone) before initiating plasma exchange or steroid therapy. These drugs administered all period 5-6 weeks. 9 (45%) due severe pruritus did not respond oral measures. Each patient underwent sessions exchange. Among exchange, mean T. bilirubin level was 34.4, 16% responded steroids. The duration achieve below 3mg/dl 7.4 days group, compared 20.6 group. Patients showed significant reduction shorter Conclusion: effectiveness Plasma Exchange Hepatitis cholestasis still matter debate, study has shown benefits, such as improvement symptoms liver functions, overall evidence limited, further research needed establish its role specific context.