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
