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Severe hepatitis E infection in pregnancy: a case report
Kritika Jha1, Alina Tandukar1, Roshan Aryal2
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital.
Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012)
|April 28, 2023
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in pregnant women can cause severe hepatitis and complications. Supportive care is crucial for managing HEV during pregnancy, leading to favorable outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) typically causes self-limiting hepatitis.
- Pregnancy is a critical period where HEV infection can lead to severe outcomes, including high mortality.
- Hormonal changes and immune modulation during pregnancy may increase susceptibility to severe liver damage from HEV.
Observation:
- A 27-year-old pregnant woman presented with severe vomiting, dehydration, and abdominal pain.
- Serological tests confirmed Hepatitis E virus infection with significantly elevated liver enzymes.
- The patient delivered a healthy infant, and her liver function normalized post-delivery with supportive care.
Findings:
- HEV infection in pregnancy can rapidly progress to severe hepatitis, liver failure, and death.
- Pregnancy-associated immunological shifts may exacerbate HEV-induced liver injury.
- No specific antiviral drugs are approved for HEV in pregnant women due to teratogenicity concerns.
Implications:
- Pregnant women must avoid HEV exposure due to high mortality risks.
- Supportive therapy and close monitoring are the primary management strategies for HEV in pregnant patients.
- Prompt supportive treatment can lead to positive outcomes for both mother and child in HEV-infected pregnancies.
