Herpes Simplex Hepatitis in Pregnancy

A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Fulminant hepatic dysfunction in the third trimester of pregnancy accompanied by fever may result from disseminated herpes simplex virus.Since 1969, 24 cases of herpes simplex hepatitis, including the current case, have been reported. Mucocutaneous lesions are present in only half of cases; therefore, suspicion for diagnosis of this disease is low. Twenty-five percent of cases were not diagnosed until autopsy. Maternal and perinatal mortality are high, approaching 39 percent for both mother and fetus. Early recognition with initiation of antiviral therapy appears to be most important in maximizing survival.

Target Audience 

Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians

Learning Objectives 

After completion of this article, the reader will be able to understand the typical presentation of HSV hepatitis during pregnancy and the other conditions that can resemble HSV hepatitis, to be aware of the mortality of the disease in pregnancy, and to know which is the most appropriate therapy for HSV hepatitis during pregnancy.