title: Fulminant hepatic failure in nephrotic syndrome related to withdrawal of immunosuppressive therapy.
abstract: Two patients with nephrotic syndrome developed fatal fulminant hepatitis B following withdrawal of prednisolone or cyclophosphamide. Immunosuppressive therapy probably enhanced hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication and widespread infection of hepatocytes; its withdrawal permitted a return of immune competence resulting in massive destruction of infected hepatocytes. Prior screening of all patients for hepatitis B surface antigen, gradual withdrawal of immunosuppressive drugs with careful monitoring, and prompt intervention with corticosteroids at the first clinical or biochemical signs of liver cell damage may prevent this complication.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu.
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Onwubalili
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009404:Nephrotic Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000009:adverse effects; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D011239:Prednisolone