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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
09:44
Generation of a Rat Model of Acute Liver Failure by Combining 70% Partial Hepatectomy and Acetaminophen
Published on: November 27, 2019
Herpes simplex virus sepsis and acute liver failure
C Riediger1, P Sauer, E Matevossian
1Department of Surgery, Technische Universität München, Ismaningerstr, Munich, Germany. riediger@chir.med.tu-muenchen.de
Clinical Transplantation
|November 26, 2009
Summary
Herpes Simplex virus (HSV) hepatitis is a rare but severe cause of acute liver failure, often fatal without prompt antiviral treatment. Early acyclovir therapy and liver transplantation improve survival rates for this critical condition.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute liver failure (ALF) is a severe condition often caused by drugs, toxins, or viral hepatitis.
- Herpes Simplex virus (HSV) hepatitis is a rare cause of ALF, accounting for only 1% of cases.
- HSV hepatitis has a high mortality rate (nearly 75%) and is a manifestation of HSV sepsis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significance of HSV hepatitis as a cause of acute liver failure.
- To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and preemptive antiviral therapy.
- To discuss management strategies including liver transplantation and prophylaxis.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical presentation and outcomes of HSV hepatitis.
- Discussion of diagnostic challenges and treatment protocols.
- Analysis of liver transplantation and long-term management.
Main Results:
- HSV hepatitis presents with severe outcomes and high mortality if untreated.
- Compromised cellular immunity is a key risk factor for HSV sepsis.
- Delayed diagnosis and lack of antiviral therapy contribute to poor prognosis.
- Liver transplantation offers a survival rate of over 40% for HSV-induced liver failure.
Conclusions:
- Preemptive acyclovir therapy is recommended for acute liver failure of unknown origin.
- Liver transplantation is a critical option for severe cases, with careful evaluation of indication.
- Lifelong acyclovir prophylaxis is advised post-transplantation to prevent recurrence.
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