Discussion:
A 40-year-old man has chronic hepatitis B. What may be the cause of his condition? Describe the pathophysiology of hepatitis B.
• What are the signs of preicteric and icteric stages of acute hepatitis?
• What serum markers are found?
• Is cirrhosis likely to develop and what pathophysiological changes are taking place?
• If the patient developed ascites, edema, esophageal varices, or respiratory infections, what might be happening?