If viral hepatitis infection occurs, it may resolve on its own or become
chronic. However, patients with chronic hepatitis often do not experience
symptoms. On the other hand, others complain of excessive fatigue,
weakness, and a reduced capacity for exercise.
Since liver damage may occur even in asymptomatic cases (no patient complaints), it is important to perform a biopsy and determine whether there is ongoing liver damage. As chronic hepatitis progresses, damage to liver cells may impair liver function. The biopsy of the damaged liver indicates the degree of cellular necrosis (death of liver cells), inflammation (cellular infiltration and swelling), and scarring (scar tissue beginning to replace functioning liver cells). - “Understanding Chronic Hepatitis” - Schering - 10/92 INH-001/17098403
