Role of rest and ambulation in liver disease

Conclusions

The current use of bed rest in the treatment of diseases of the liver is admittedly empiric. All observers have agreed that bed rest during the acute stage of hepatitis generally improves the immediate symptoms. Hepatic tenderness is less under conditions of rest, while increase in size and tenderness of the liver frequently occurs with ambulation. Laboratory evidence of worsening hepatic function often parallels the change in liver size and tenderness. When the resistance of the host is high, and possibly when the virus is of a low degree of virulence, no permanent deleterious effects result from relapses due to early ambulation. Recovery progresses satisfactorily despite lack of rest. However, these clinical and laboratory signs of relapse may be the first indications of a more serious progressive hepatitis. The role of bed rest has not been tested by controlled observations under such circumstances. Until studies of this nature have been made, the judicious use of bed rest in the treatment of the acute stages of hepatic disease is recommended.