What Are the Symptoms of Jaundice Hepatitis?

Jaundice hepatitis refers to acute viral hepatitis—most commonly caused by hepatitis A, B, or E viruses—that presents with prominent jaundice due to impaired hepatic bilirubin metabolism. The hallmark clinical feature is yellow discoloration of the skin and sclerae, resulting from elevated serum unconjugated and/or conjugated bilirubin levels.

Early symptoms often mimic an influenza-like prodrome: fatigue, low-grade fever, anorexia, nausea, and generalized malaise. As hepatocellular injury progresses, patients may develop right upper quadrant abdominal discomfort, dark urine (due to bilirubinuria), and pale or clay-colored stools (reflecting cholestasis and reduced biliary pigment excretion). Pruritus may accompany significant hyperbilirubinemia, particularly in cases with predominant intrahepatic cholestasis.

Physical examination typically reveals icterus, mild hepatomegaly, and occasionally splenomegaly. Laboratory findings include elevated serum aminotransferases (ALT and AST), with ALT usually exceeding AST; increased total and direct bilirubin; and variable elevations in alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). Prothrombin time may be prolonged in severe cases, signaling declining synthetic function.

While most cases resolve spontaneously with supportive care, clinicians must assess for signs of acute liver failure—including encephalopathy, coagulopathy, or ascites—as these indicate a potentially life-threatening course requiring urgent evaluation and possible referral for liver transplantation.