Acute liver failure complicating viral hepatitis A.
Hepatitis A is one of the most frequent infectious liver diseases affecting children worldwide. The disease is usually mild and self-limited, and complications are very rare. Nevertheless, hepatitis A can sometimes cause acute liver failure (ALF), a severe, life-threatening condition. Herein is reported a case of a child who presented ALF during a course of hepatitis A. The need for early identification of possible ALF cases among hepatitis A patients, and for effective ways of evaluating such a possibility, are discussed. We also emphasize the importance of prevention measures, especially vaccination.
Diniz-Santos
Daniel Rui
DR
Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Professor Hosannah Oliveira Pediatric Centre, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil.
Melo
Maria Clotildes Nunes de
MC
Melo
Rita Franca
RF
Silva
Luciana Rodrigues
LR
D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D017114:Liver Failure, Acute / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology*