Fulminant hepatitis secondary to dengue in pediatric patients: a series of four cases

Abstract

This study reports a case series of four pediatric patients with dengue who developed fulminant hepatitis and acute liver failure requiring transplantation. This study aims to enhance early recognition of dengue-related complications, particularly fulminant hepatitis. The series includes two previously healthy girls, aged one and six years; and two boys, aged 12 and 15 years, with pre-existing hemoglobinopathies. A review was conducted to contextualize these cases with prior reports of dengue-associated fulminant hepatitis in children, focusing on diagnosis and management. All four patients underwent liver transplantation, yet their clinical courses and outcomes were varied. Patient 1, a six-year-old girl, had early warning signs and underwent cadaveric liver transplantation nine days after onset. Patient 2, a one--year-old girl, developed severe disease and received living-donor transplantation 20 days after onset. Both had favorable postoperative outcomes. Patient 3, a 12-year-old boy with SC hemoglobinopathy, underwent transplantation on day seven of illness but died on the fifth postoperative day. Patient 4, a 15-year-old boy with sickle cell anemia, underwent transplantation on day four of symptoms but suffered multiple cardiorespiratory arrests during recovery and died on postoperative day 24. Although rare, dengue can lead to fulminant hepatitis in previously healthy children, with worse outcomes in those with comorbidities. Early recognition of severe manifestations is critical for appropriate management. Larger studies are warranted to identify prognostic factors and optimize decision-making for pediatric patients requiring liver transplantation.