Prognosis

Approximately 85% of individuals infected with hepatitis A virus (HAV) have full clinical and biochemical recovery within a 3-month period with nearly all individuals recovering within 6 months.[45] In about 10% to 20% of symptomatic patients, a prolonged and relapsing course can occur lasting several months with persistent fever, pruritus, diarrhoea, jaundice, weight loss, and malabsorption.[19][20]

Death from hepatitis A is rare. In 2021, US case fatality rates were unreliable for ages 0-44 years, 0.06 per 100,000 people for ages 45-64 years, and 0.13 per 100,000 people for ages ≥65 years.[13]

In <1% of patients, acute liver failure occurs characterized by worsening jaundice, coagulopathy, and encephalopathy.[35][36]​ These patients require immediate referral for liver transplant assessment. The 1-year survival rate for patients who receive liver transplantation for acute HAV infection is 69%.[46]

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