Fatal herpetic hepatitis in pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Infectious Diseases
• Hepatology

Background:

• Disseminated herpetic infections during pregnancy are infrequently reported.
• Herpetic hepatitis can present with non-specific symptoms such as fever and elevated liver enzymes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case of a pregnant patient with disseminated herpetic infection leading to fulminant herpetic hepatitis.
• To highlight the importance of early recognition and management of this rare but severe condition.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a pregnant patient.
• Clinical presentation including fever, elevated liver enzymes, and abdominal tenderness.
• Outcome analysis.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with symptoms suggestive of hepatitis.
• Despite medical intervention, the patient succumbed to fulminant herpetic hepatitis.
• This case underscores the severity of disseminated herpes infections in pregnancy.

Conclusions:

• Fulminant herpetic hepatitis in pregnancy carries a high mortality rate.
• Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of antiviral therapy are crucial for potentially improving patient outcomes.
• Increased clinical suspicion is warranted in pregnant patients presenting with hepatitis-like symptoms and signs of disseminated infection.