Haemolytic anaemia complicating Epstein-Barr virus infection.
Hepatitis is a well-recognised complication of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection that usually resolves spontaneously. Jaundice occasionally results from the unusual complication of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia rather than hepatitis. Two adult patients are described with infectious mononucleosis-related hepatitis who also developed significant haemolysis, a situation that could have led to diagnostic delay and a deleterious outcome. Haemolysis should be considered in all patients who become jaundiced after infectious mononucleosis. The management of this potentially fatal complication is discussed.
Whitelaw
F
F
Division of Communicable Diseases, Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, London.
Brook
M G
MG
Kennedy
N
N
Weir
W R
WR
D000328:Adult; D000743:Anemia, Hemolytic / Q000821:virology*; D005260:Female; D006525:Hepatitis, Viral, Human / Q000150:complications* / Q000821:virology; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000150:complications*; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human; D006801:Humans