Chickenpox-associated fulminant hepatitis that led to liver transplantation in a 63-year-old woman

Liver Transpl. 2008 Sep;14(9):1309-12. doi: 10.1002/lt.21514.

Abstract

A 63-year-old woman treated with prednisone for sinusitis developed fulminant liver failure due to a clinically unsuspected primary varicella zoster virus infection. The diagnosis of herpetic hepatitis was made from a liver biopsy, and varicella zoster virus viremia was detected by polymerase chain reaction. She was treated successfully with transplantation and perioperative administration of acyclovir.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acyclovir / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biopsy
  • Chickenpox / complications*
  • Chickenpox / therapy
  • Female
  • Herpesvirus 3, Human / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Liver / virology
  • Liver Failure, Acute / complications*
  • Liver Failure, Acute / therapy*
  • Liver Transplantation / methods*
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Prednisone / adverse effects
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Prednisone
  • Acyclovir