Fulminant Epstein-Barr viral hepatitis: orthotopic liver transplantation and review of the literature

Liver Transpl Surg. 1998 Nov;4(6):469-76. doi: 10.1002/lt.500040612.

Abstract

Acute hepatic failure caused by primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection has been reported in the literature in 16 cases, with an overall mortality of 87%. We report a case of fulminant hepatic failure in an immunocompetent young girl caused by primary EBV infection that was treated by orthotopic liver transplantation. After transplantation she has been treated with low-dose immunosuppression, a pooled gammaglobulin preparation containing anti-EBV antibodies, and anti-viral therapy. The patient is presently doing well 2 years after transplantation without evidence of clinical EBV infection, primary immunodeficiency, or lymphoproliferative disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / complications*
  • Female
  • Hepatic Encephalopathy / etiology*
  • Hepatic Encephalopathy / surgery*
  • Hepatitis, Viral, Human / virology*
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Infant
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • gamma-Globulins / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • gamma-Globulins