This is a severe but rare form of acute hepatitis - a viral infection affecting the liver. It has a high mortality rate as 85% of those affected die before they can receive a liver transplant. It may begin with fatigue and nausea, but within a few weeks the signs and symptoms are pronounced, jaundice, dark urine, fatigue, flu like symptoms and an enlarged liver.
About 2 weeks after jaundice develops encephalopathy develops. Encephalopathy is a state of impaired or altered mental status. In its mild form there may be some short term memory loss, forgetfulness, slurring of speech, small behavioral personality or behavioural changes, and changes in sleep pattern.
In its severe form symptoms include severe loss of memory i.e. not knowing the date, year, their name or address, confusion, inappropriate behaviour, poor coordination, austerities- uncontrollable flapping of the hands, fetor hepaticus- foul smelling breath and coma.
Article updated 01/22/2006