A young pregnant woman presents with fulminant hepatic failure. The most likely aetiological agent is
**Question:** A young pregnant woman presents with fulminant hepatic failure. The most likely aetiological agent is
A. Hepatitis A
B. Hepatitis B
C. Hepatitis C
D. Wilson's disease
**Core Concept:**
Fulminant hepatic failure is a severe acute liver failure characterized by liver dysfunction leading to coagulopathy, encephalopathy, and organ failure. It is a medical emergency requiring rapid management and organ support. Aetiological agents are the underlying causes responsible for the liver damage. In this case, the question focuses on identifying the most likely cause of fulminant hepatic failure in a pregnant woman.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**
Among the given options, the correct answer is D. Wilson's disease, also known as Wilson's syndrome, is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the ATP7B gene, which leads to copper accumulation in the liver and other organs. In this context, Wilson's disease is the correct answer because:
1. It is a known cause of liver disease, particularly in pregnant women.
2. It can present with acute liver failure and neurological symptoms, mimicking fulminant hepatic failure.
3. Wilson's disease is a known cause of fulminant hepatic failure in pregnant women, which makes D the correct choice.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. Hepatitis A (A) and Hepatitis B (B) are common causes of acute liver disease, but they are typically less severe and do not typically cause fulminant hepatic failure in pregnant women.
C. Hepatitis C (C) is also a cause of acute liver disease, but it is less likely to cause fulminant hepatic failure in pregnant women compared to Wilson's disease.
**Clinical Pearl:**
In pregnant women presenting with acute liver failure, Wilson's disease should be considered as a differential diagnosis. Once suspected, appropriate diagnostic investigations and management can be initiated promptly to improve patient outcomes. Wilson's disease is essential to recognize as it can be treated successfully with specific therapy.
**Correct Answer:** D. Wilson's disease