[Acute liver failure in a young adult].
Acute liver failure is a rare but mostly severe disorder in previously healthy patients. Viral infections and drugs are the most common causes in the Western world. A small percentage of acute liver failure is caused by Wilson's disease. We describe a previously healthy 23-year-old female with acute haemolytic anemia and liver failure as the first manifestations of Wilson's disease. There was rapid deterioration to multi-organ failure and the patient died less than 24 hours after initial presentation. Relatively simple laboratory tests can be used for initial screening of acute liver failure due to Wilson's disease. Liver transplantation is the only way to ensure survival of the patient. Rapid transfer to a specialised centre is, therefore, of the utmost concern.
Ziekenhuis Gelderse Vallei, Ede, The Netherlands.
Rachel L A
RL
van Eijk
Herold J
HJ
Metselaar
Marijke S
MS
van der Steen
Jan J
JJ
Uil
D000743:Anemia, Hemolytic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006527:Hepatolenticular Degeneration / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D017114:Liver Failure, Acute / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult