Britannica AI Icon

chronic active hepatitis

pathology
Also known as: chronic hepatitis

Quick Summary

Chronic active hepatitis is a progressive liver disease characterized by ongoing inflammation and damage to liver cells and bile ducts. It develops when acute hepatitis, often caused by viruses, drugs, or autoimmune conditions, persists for six months or longer.12

This persistent inflammation can lead to the destruction of liver tissue, which is then replaced by fibrous scar tissue. If the damage is severe, it can result in cirrhosis, a condition where healthy liver tissue is replaced by nodules and scar tissue, impairing liver function. In some cases, ongoing inflammation in cirrhosis can lead to liver cancer.1

Chronic hepatitis can be caused by viral infections like hepatitis B and C, autoimmune disorders, or certain medications. Treatment often involves antiviral medications for viral hepatitis or immunosuppressive drugs for autoimmune causes.2

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.