ABSTRACT
Introduction: Hepatitis E is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis in the adult population in India. Acute viral hepatitis E (HEV) is generally mild and self-limiting and resolves within six weeks, with no chronic sequelae. Pregnant women are at increased risk with the risk increasing as the pregnancy progresses near term. Methods: We performed a prospective study of 100 patients who presented to Dept. of Medicine, Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad with jaundice (IgM anti-HEV positive) during 2011-2012 and data were analyzed for the clinical profile and outcome of HEV. Results: The most common age group affected was 21-30 years with overall M:F ratio of 3.4:1. Most common presenting symptom was jaundice (100%) followed by nausea/ vomiting (87%). On presentation, serum bilirubin level was elevated in 89% patients with SGPT raised in 86%. PT was prolonged in 39% patients. Anemia (Hb < 7) was seen in 17% while 9% of patients had renal involvement. Hepatic encephalopathy was seen in 15%. In this study, 12 women were pregnant in whom IUD occurred in 66% with maternal mortality in 33%. Overall mortality was 7%. Conclusion: We found that majority of cases were cured with supportive treatment while risk of mortality and morbidity was more in pregnant women.