Friday, March 29, 2024 | 19:14 WIB

Beware of the resurgence of acute hepatitis with unknown etiology

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Hepatitis
ILLUSTRATION: AGUNG WAHYUDI

Upholding a diagnosis of hepatitis requires a check of liver enzyme markers, done using the serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase test (SGOT) and the serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase test (SGPT). SGOT is an enzyme found in the heart, kidney, brain, and liver, while SGPT is most frequently found in the liver. “SGOT and SGPT are routine checkups that are easy to do. SGOT’s normal levels are 5-40 µL/L (microliter per liter), while that of SGPT is 7-56 µL/L. In view of the current circumstances, if you suffer from symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or yellowed eyes, perform the SGOT and SGPT tests immediately. You should take both simultaneously, even though SGPT marks a more specific type of liver inflammation. SGOT and SGPT levels of sufferers of the new, etiologically unknown acute hepatitis multiplied as much as tenfold. As there are no cure yet, we usually treat patients according to the symptoms – for example, if they are feverish, we give them paracetamol; if they had diarrhea or suffer from nausea, we give them known drugs for these complaints,” Dr. Kadim said. 

Dr. dr. Muzal Kadim, Sp.A(K)
Dr. dr. Muzal Kadim, Sp.A(K) (Source: PONDOK INDAH HOSPITAL)

Just Keep Your Immunity Strong 

Do we need hepatoprotectors or vitamins as a means of prevention? “Not necessarily. Like any other viral illnesses, this one is preventable if you have a sufficiently strong immunity system and live a clean, healthy lifestyle. It’s the usual regime of nutritious food comprising of proteins and antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetables, sufficient sleep, and routine exercise. The Covid-19 prevention health protocols can be extended to prevent infection of this new acute hepatitis. And of course, keep your medical masks on and never forget to wash your hands and faces regularly, because like I said, we suspect fecal and oral droplets to be the medium of infection,” Dr. Kadim said. 

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