Publication

Differential diagnosis of postoperative liver failure in a 12-year-old child

Journal Paper/Review - Jan 1, 1996

Units
PubMed

Citation
Hausmann R, Schmidt B, Schellmann B, Betz P. Differential diagnosis of postoperative liver failure in a 12-year-old child. Int J Legal Med 1996; 109:210-2.
Type
Journal Paper/Review (English)
Journal
Int J Legal Med 1996; 109
Publication Date
Jan 1, 1996
Issn Print
0937-9827
Pages
210-2
Brief description/objective

The case of a 12-year-old child who died of fulminant hepatic failure a few days after tonsillectomy is reported. Histological examination revealed large areas of massive centrilobular hepatic necrosis. Hepatotoxicity of postoperatively administered paracetamol in high dosages combined with enflurane exposure is discussed as a cause for the hepatic failure. The fulminant clinical course could have been influenced by an infection with hepatitis G virus which was detected in liver tissue by in situ hybridisation and was probably transmitted via transfusion of blood plasma.