Successful tenofovir treatment for fulminant hepatitis B infection in an infant

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Pediatric Gastroenterology

Background:

• Fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) is a rare but life-threatening condition characterized by severe liver dysfunction without pre-existing liver disease.
• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can cause acute liver failure, particularly in infants.
• Liver transplantation is often the only treatment option for pediatric FHF.

Observation:

• A 4-month-old infant presented with acute symptoms of fulminant hepatitis B infection.
• The infant exhibited rapid deterioration of liver function, indicative of FHF.
• Standard supportive care was initiated alongside antiviral therapy.

Findings:

• The infant received tenofovir therapy for the fulminant hepatitis B infection.
• Concomitant with tenofovir treatment, the infant showed significant improvement in liver function.
• The patient recovered from FHF without requiring a liver transplantation.

Implications:

• Tenofovir therapy may be a viable treatment option for infants with fulminant hepatitis B.
• Early antiviral intervention could potentially alter the course of severe HBV-induced liver failure in children.
• This case highlights the possibility of non-transplant recovery in pediatric FHF due to HBV.