Acute Viral Hepatitis E Infection Complicating Postliving Liver Donor Hepatectomy Recovery

Abstract

This study presents a case of a living liver donor who developed a hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection postdonation, complicating his recovery. The donor was a 28-year-old male with no prior health issues who underwent a right lobe hepatectomy. Initially, his postoperative course was uneventful, but on the third postoperative day, he became lethargic and icteric. Laboratory tests showed elevated liver function markers, with peak levels on the 5th day. The HEV infection was confirmed through serological and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. The donor was managed supportively and recovered, with normal liver function at discharge. Unfortunately, the recipient of the liver graft died on the 5th postoperative day due to sepsis, and the impact of HEV infection on the recipient could not be fully assessed due to the complicating factors. This case highlights the importance of considering HEV infection in donors with abnormal postoperative liver functions, especially in regions with high HEV prevalence, and suggests the potential benefit of HEV vaccination for liver donors. Further research is needed to better understand and manage HEV infection in the context of liver donation.