HBV-related fulminant hepatic failure: successful intensive medical therapy in a candidate for liver transplantation

J Gastroenterol. 2001 May;36(5):350-3. doi: 10.1007/s005350170103.

Abstract

Fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) usually has a fatal prognosis without liver transplantation. We describe the case of a woman who developed FHF, and was evaluated as a candidate for liver transplantation, but who was cured without transplantation through intensive medical care that included glucagon-insulin therapy, methylprednisolone pulse therapy, interferon beta and lamivudine administration, cyclosporine administration, and high-volume hemodiafiltration and plasma exchange. In a patient with FHF who is a candidate for liver transplantation but for whom the transplantation cannot be performed for some reason, intensive medical therapy, including regeneration-promoting therapy, immunosuppressive therapy, antiviral therapy, and vigorous hepatic support, should be carried out.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cyclosporine / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Hemodiafiltration / methods
  • Hepatitis B / complications*
  • Humans
  • Interferon-beta / therapeutic use
  • Liver Failure / diagnosis
  • Liver Failure / therapy*
  • Liver Failure / virology
  • Liver Transplantation
  • Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Plasma Exchange / methods

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Interferon-beta
  • Cyclosporine
  • Methylprednisolone