Acute Cholestatic Hepatitis A Virus Infection Presenting with Hemolytic Anemia and Renal Failure : A Case Report

Abstract EN

Hepatitis A virus is the most common acute viral hepatitis worldwide with approximately 1.5 million cases annually.

Hepatitis A virus infection in general is self-limited.

In rare cases, hepatitis A virus infection may cause renal failure, hemolytic anemia, and/or cholestasis.

We report the first case of acute cholestatic hepatitis A virus infection complicated by hemolytic anemia, and renal failure in one patient.

A 42-year-old Caucasian male presented with cholestasis, hemolytic anemia and renal failure after consuming street tacos in Central and South America while on a business trip.

His protracted course required corticosteroid therapy, multiple sessions of plasma exchange, and numerous units of packed red blood cells.

This case demonstrates the importance of vaccination in high-risk adults.

A prompt diagnosis of acute hepatitis A virus infection is essential, as uncommon presentations may delay diagnosis leading to permanent morbidity and potentially death in fulminant cases.

We also demonstrate the efficacy of treatment of cholestatic hepatitis A virus infection, hemolytic anemia, and renal failure with corticosteroids and plasma exchange.