Fatal fulminant herpes simplex hepatitis secondary to tongue piercing in an immunocompetent adult: a case report
2008
Fatal Herpes Simplex Hepatitis from Tongue Piercing
Sample size: 1
publication
Evidence: low
Author Information
Author(s): Lakhan Shaheen, Harle Lindsey
Primary Institution: Global Neuroscience Initiative Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Hypothesis
Can herpes simplex virus cause fulminant hepatitis in immunocompetent adults?
Conclusion
Fulminant herpes simplex virus hepatitis is often fatal, especially in immunocompetent adults.
Supporting Evidence
- Herpes simplex virus hepatitis is rare in immunocompetent adults.
- Early antiviral treatment can improve survival chances.
- High levels of liver enzymes are associated with severe disease.
Takeaway
A young woman got very sick and died from a virus after getting her tongue pierced, showing that even healthy people can get really sick from herpes.
Methodology
Case report detailing the clinical progression and laboratory findings of a patient with herpes simplex virus hepatitis.
Limitations
Only one case is reported, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
19-year-old Caucasian woman from the United States.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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