Which phase of hepatitis presents with symptoms of clay-colored stools and an enlarged liver?

The phase of hepatitis that presents with symptoms such as clay-colored stools and an enlarged liver is the icteric phase. During this phase, there is significant bilirubin accumulation in the bloodstream due to liver dysfunction, which can cause the stools to lose their normal brown coloration. The presence of clay-colored stools indicates a lack of bilirubin in the bile that normally pigments the stool.

Additionally, the liver becomes enlarged, or hepatomegaly, as inflammation occurs. This accumulation of inflammatory cells and liver tissue swelling contributes to the observable symptoms.

In contrast, the prodromal phase typically includes nonspecific symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and malaise before the onset of jaundice and other more pronounced symptoms. The recovery phase follows the icteric phase and generally sees a resolution of symptoms, while the chronic phase can involve long-term liver inflammation and fibrosis.