Toxic hepatitis is a liver disease caused by physical, chemical, biological or other toxins such as phosphorus, arsenic or carbon tetrachloride. Symptoms occur suddenly. Function of the central nervous system can also be affected. Patients have loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, enlarged liver, and increased serum transaminases. Severe cases have acute liver necrosis. Patients should avoid contact with the toxins as soon as possible and treat symptoms. The prognosis is generally good. A small percentage of patients can develop chronic liver diseases. Some may die of acute liver failure.
How is Toxic hepatitis treated in practice?