A Case of Multiple Organ Failure Complicating Hepatitis A Virus Superinfection in a Chronic Hepatitis B Patient

Korean J Med > Volume 80(2); 2011 > Article

Original Article

The Korean Journal of Medicine 2011;80(2):111-116.

A Case of Multiple Organ Failure Complicating Hepatitis A Virus Superinfection in a Chronic Hepatitis B Patient

Han-Kyeol Yun1, Nha Young Kim1, Ja-Seon Kim1, Ki-Jong Lee1, Jae-Woo Yeon2, So Ya Paik3, Young Min Park4

만성B형 간염 환자에서 발생한 A형 간염에 의한 다발성 장기부전 1예

윤한결1, 김나영,, 김자선1, 이기종1, 연재우2, 백소야3, 박영민4, Ja-Seon Kim1, Ki-Jong Lee1, Jae-Woo Yeon2, So Ya Paik3, Young Min Park4

Abstract

Hepatitis A virus is a major cause of viral hepatitis worldwide. The prevalence of hepatitis A in young adults has recently been increasing in Korea. Hepatitis A infection rarely complicates fulminant hepatitis, acute pancreatitis, and acute renal failure. We experienced a case of multiple organ failure involving fulminant hepatitis, acute pancreatitis, and acute renal failure complicating a hepatitis A superinfection in a chronic hepatitis B patient. The patient was a 38yearold man who presented with febrile sense and myalgia. He was initially alert, but became confused and developed acute renal failure and acute pancreatitis. He received continuous renal replacement therapy and conservative treatment and completely recovered from the multiple organ failure. It is important to consider a variety of potential complications in hepatitis A patients, especially in those with underlying chronic liver disease.

Key Words: Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Multiple organ failure