Case report demonstrates plasmapheresis improves outcomes in acute liver failure from hepatitis E infection, suggesting viability in low-resource settings.
Acute liver failure, due to hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection, represents a serious problem in developing countries, lacking access to liver transplantation. Therapeutic plasma exchange has become one potential bridge therapy, which has improved results by elimination of circulating toxins/inflammatory mediators, and ammonia. We describe the clinical course of a 31-year-old man who developed fulminant hepatic failure secondary to HEV infection. After conventional treatment, the patient underwent 5 sessions of plasmapheresis that was associated with marked biochemical and neurological recovery. This case provides support for plasmapheresis as a useful adjunct in the management of HEV-induced acute liver failure and its applicability in resource limited settings where liver transplantation is not available.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Hussain et al. (2026) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: