Chronic hepatitis E resolved by reduced immunosuppression in pediatric kidney transplant patients.

Abstract

At present, transient asymptomatic hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is common among healthy adults in Western Europe, as reported by blood transfusion services. In immune-suppressed patients HEV infection is often without clinical symptoms, but without therapeutic intervention it may become chronic and lead to cirrhosis. This report describes the course of chronic HEV infection after kidney transplantation in 2 children, who cleared the virus after reduction in immunosuppressive therapy. If aminotransferase levels continue to be moderately elevated after transplantation, HEV infection should be excluded.

• Authors: Antonia H M Bouts, Pytrik J Schriemer, Hans L Zaaijer
• Journal: Pediatrics (Pediatrics) Vol. 135 Issue 4 Pg. e1075-8 (Apr 2015) ISSN: 1098-4275 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25755234 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2015 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Chemical References

• Immunosuppressive Agents

Topics

• Child, Preschool
• Chronic Disease
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Drug Substitution
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Follow-Up Studies
• Hepatitis E (drug therapy, immunology)
• Humans
• Immune Tolerance (drug effects, immunology)
• Immunosuppressive Agents (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Kidney Transplantation
• Liver Function Tests
• Male
• Polymerase Chain Reaction
• Postoperative Complications (drug therapy, immunology)