Hepatitis A-Associated Very Severe Aplastic Anemia in a Young Adult Female: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis‑associated aplastic anemia (HAAA) is a rare but life‑threatening immune‑mediated complication of acute viral hepatitis, and hepatitis A virus is an uncommon cause of this syndrome.

CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 24‑year‑old woman who developed acute hepatitis A followed by rapidly progressive pancytopenia fulfilling the criteria for very severe aplastic anemia. Her clinical course was complicated by febrile neutropenia, transfusion dependence, gastrointestinal bleeding, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia bacteremia. Bone marrow biopsy demonstrated marked hypocellularity with severe trilineage suppression. Despite intensive supportive care including broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy and transfusion support, her clinical condition deteriorated, and she died from infectious and hemorrhagic complications before definitive therapy could be initiated. This case emphasizes the importance of early recognition of cytopenias during the acute phase of hepatitis and prompt hematology referral for definitive management.

CONCLUSION

Aplastic anemia following acute hepatitis A infection is rare but potentially fatal. Early recognition of cytopenias during or following acute hepatitis, prompt bone marrow evaluation, and urgent hematology referral is essential for timely definitive treatment and improved outcomes.