Fulminant hepatic failure secondary to herpes simplex virus hepatitis : successful outcome after orthotopic liver transplantation

The management of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) presents a challenging clinical problem. Rapid neurologic deterioration and progressive multiple organ failure often necessitate that a decision regarding transplantation be made before the etiology of liver failure has been firmly established. We report a case of disseminated herpes simplex virus type 2 infection occurring in an otherwise healthy woman during the third trimester of pregnancy. FHF secondary to acute HSV hepatitis was successfully treated by OLT in conjunction with high dose acyclovir therapy.