Fulminant hepatic failure in an infant with severe dengue infection

R Soundravally1, P Narayanan, B Vishnu Bhat

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate and Medical Research, Pondicherry, South India. soundy27@yahoo.co.in

Insights

Fulminant hepatic failure from dengue infection is rare but can be fatal in infants. Healthcare providers should carefully consider potential drug-induced liver injury in dengue patients, particularly young children.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Hepatology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Dengue virus infection commonly causes mild liver dysfunction.
  • Fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) is a rare but severe complication of dengue.

Observation:

  • This report details a fatal case of dengue 3 serotype infection leading to fulminant hepatitis in an infant.
  • The infant presented with severe liver dysfunction.

Findings:

  • Dengue virus can cause severe, life-threatening hepatitis, especially in infants.
  • Hepatotoxicity associated with certain medications may be exacerbated in dengue patients.

Implications:

  • Increased vigilance is required for diagnosing and managing dengue in infants.
  • Caution is advised regarding the use of potentially hepatotoxic drugs in infants with dengue infection to prevent severe liver injury.

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