Hyperglycaemia as an indicator of concurrent acute pancreatitis in fulminant hepatic failure associated with hepatitis B infection

Singapore Med J. 2005 May;46(5):236-7.

Abstract

Pancreatitis occurring concurrently with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) is primarily detected on autopsy and is seldom clinically apparent. We report a fatal case of FHF in a 25-year-old woman which was related to acute hepatitis B infection. In this patient, hyperglycaemia needing insulin infusions led to the detection of acute pancreatitis. FHF complicated by acute pancreatitis has a poor prognosis. A high index of suspicion is necessary for its diagnosis. The role of orthotopic liver transplantation and use of antiviral therapies need further evaluation in this situation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Autopsy
  • Comorbidity
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Hepatitis B / complications*
  • Humans
  • Hyperglycemia / diagnosis*
  • Hyperglycemia / physiopathology
  • Liver Failure, Acute / complications
  • Liver Failure, Acute / virology*
  • Pancreatitis / diagnosis*
  • Pancreatitis / etiology