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Published on: November 27, 2019
Subacute fulminant hepatic failure with intermittent fever
Cong-Xin Chen1, Bo Liu, Yong Hu
1Department of Infectious Diseases, 105th Hospital, Hefei 230031, China. congxinc@mail.hf.ah.cn
Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases International : HBPD INT
|December 17, 2009
Summary
This case study highlights a rare instance of repeated fever in a patient with subacute hepatic failure due to hepatitis B virus infection. Comprehensive management of complications led to recovery, improving survival rates for hepatic failure patients.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a leading cause of acute liver failure in China.
- Repeated fever is an uncommon complication in patients with hepatic failure.
Observation:
- A 32-year-old female presented with subacute hepatic failure and HBV infection, characterized by hyperbilirubinemia, coagulopathy, and hepatic encephalopathy.
- The patient experienced discontinuous fever following plasma exchange treatment.
Findings:
- Urethritis and suspected spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (Gram-negative bacillus infection) were identified as causes of fever.
- Treatment with antibiotics, steroids, and the Chinese herbal medicine matrine resulted in complete recovery.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of managing complications in patients with hepatic failure.
- Integrated treatment approaches, including supportive measures and timely intervention for complications, can improve patient outcomes and survival rates in hepatic failure.
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