Affiliations: Department of Gastroenterology, Children's Medical
Center Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran | Department of Infectious Disease, Children's Medical
Center Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
Note: [] Correspondence: Dr. Mozhgan Sabbaghian, Department of
Gastroenterology, Children's Medical Center Hospital, Tehran University of
Medical Science, Tehran, Iran. Tel.: +98 21 66924545; Fax: +98 21 66920891-3;
E-mail: mozhgan_sabbaghian@yahoo.com
Abstract: Neonates and young infants with human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) may
present with hepatitis, which is rarely fulminant. However, because HHV-6 is
prevalent as a latent infection in humans, causality must be proven in patients
with fulminant hepatitis. We describe a rare case of fulminant hepatitis
induced by HHV-6 with concomitant central nervous system involvement and
without any classic skin rash. An immunocompetent, breast-fed 14-month-old girl
was admitted to our hospital because of gastrointestinal bleeding, fever,
excessive sleepiness and inability to recognize parents, markedly elevated
serum transaminase and severe coagulopathy. Cerebrospinal fluid polymerase
chain reaction assay for viral agent was positive for HHV-6. Fortunately, the
patient demonstrated a rapid improvement thereafter and did not require liver
transplantation.
Keywords: Fulminant hepatitis, human herpes virus 6, central nervous system
