Open AccessGiant cell hepatitis with autoimmune hemolytic anemia in a nine month old infant
Author(s) -
Jihène Bouguila,
Sameh Mabrouk,
Samia Tilouche,
D. Bakir,
Amel Trabelsi,
Amel Hmila,
Lamia Boughammoura
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
world journal of hepatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.913
H-Index - 55
ISSN - 1948-5182
DOI - 10.4254/wjh.v5.i4.226
Subject(s) - medicine , jaundice , autoimmune hemolytic anemia , autoimmune hepatitis , hepatosplenomegaly , autoantibody , immunology , hepatitis , gastroenterology , hemolytic anemia , pathology , antibody , disease
Giant cell hepatitis (GCH) with autoimmune hemolytic anemia is a rare entity, limited to young children, with an unknown pathogenesis. We report the case of 9-mo old who presented with fever, diarrhea and jaundice four days before hospitalization. Physical examination found pallor, jaundice and hepatosplenomegaly. The laboratory workup showed serum total bilirubin at 101 μmol/L, conjugated bilirubin at 84 μmol/L, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and immunoglobulin G (IgG) and anti-C3d positive direct Coombs' test. The antinuclear, anti-smooth muscle and liver kidney microsomes 1 non-organ specific autoantibodies, antiendomisium antibodies were negative. Serological assays for viral hepatitis B and C, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex and Epstein Barr virus were negative. The association of acute liver failure, Evan's syndrome, positive direct Coomb's test of mixed type (IgG and C3) and the absence of organ and non-organ specific autoantibodies suggested the diagnosis of GCH. The diagnosis was confirmed by a needle liver biopsy. The patient was treated by corticosteroids, immunomodulatory therapy and azathioprine but died with septicemia.