Sepsis-Associated Cholestasis: The Impact of Mitochondrial Dysfunction (A Case Report) Sepsis-Associated Cholestasis: The Impact of Mitochondrial Dysfunction (A Case Report)
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Keywords
Cholestasis, Critical illness, Hyperbilirubinemia, Liver failure, Sepsis
Abstract
Introduction: Hyperbilirubinemia – a condition of elevated serum bilirubin above the reference range, is common in hospitalized patients. The reasons for the increase in the bilirubin level can be pre-hepatic, hepatic, and post-hepatic. Sepsis is one of the most important causes of hyperbilirubinemia in critically ill patients.
Case report: We present a 30-year-old woman with no past medical and drug history who was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to multiple trauma and fractures due to a fall from height. During the ICU stay, the patient developed jaundice with a high increase in the bilirubin level. A diagnosis of sepsis-associated cholestasis was considered after ruling out other possible pathologies. The hyperbilirubinemia improved with the early management of sepsis concomitant supportive medical therapy.
Conclusion: Early recognition and treatment of sepsis as a cause of cholestasis should be considered in ICU patients. Drugs targeting mitochondrial function would provide rapid hepatic recovery reducing complications and mortality.
Keywords: Cholestasis, Critical illness, Hyperbilirubinemia, Liver failure, Sepsis
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