BACKGROUND Jaundice is a major manifestation of posthepatectomy liver failure, a feared complication after hepatic resection. Herein, we report a case of posthepatectomy jaundice that was not caused by liver failure but by paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH)-induced hemolysis. CASE SUMMARY A 56-year-old woman underwent right hepatectomy and biliary tract exploration surgery due to hepatic duct stones. Prior to surgery, the patient was mildly anemic. The direct antiglobulin test was negative. A bone marrow biopsy showed mild histiocyte hyperplasia. After surgery, the patient suffered a progressive increase in serum bilirubin. Meanwhile, the patient developed hemolytic symptoms after blood transfusion. She was ultimately diagnosed with PNH. PNH is a rare bone marrow failure disorder that manifests as complement-dependent intravascular hemolysis with varying severity. After steroid treatment, the patient’s jaundice gradually decreased, and the patient was discharged on the 35 th postoperative day. CONCLUSION PNH-induced hemolysis is a rare cause of posthepatectomy jaundice. It should be suspected in patients having posthepatectomy hyperbilirubinemia without other signs of liver failure. Steroid therapy can be considered for the treatment of PNH in such cases.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.