Open AccessExtensive Hepatic Necrosis in a Premature Infant
Author(s) -
L. A. Bemmel,
W. W. M. Hack,
C. A. Seldenrijk,
C. M. F. Kneepkens
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.206
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1536-4801
pISSN - 0277-2116
DOI - 10.1097/00005176-199202000-00019
Subject(s) - medicine , fulminant , asphyxia , autopsy , necrosis , hypoxia (environmental) , gestation , fulminant hepatic failure , shock (circulatory) , gestational age , premature newborn , pathology , anesthesia , surgery , pediatrics , pregnancy , liver transplantation , chemistry , organic chemistry , biology , oxygen , transplantation , genetics
A fatal case of fulminant hepatic failure that occurred in the neonatal period is reported in a premature infant born after 27 4/7-weeks' gestation. Immediately after birth the infant had severe hypoxia and hypotension resulting from birth asphyxia, hypovolemic shock, and septicemia. At autopsy, histological appearance of the liver showed virtually total hepatocellular necrosis without features of fibrosis. Although the exact cause of hepatocellular injury cannot be fully ascertained, it is assumed that hypoxia and hypotension must have been the predominant factors leading to massive hepatic necrosis.