HEMOLYTIC-ANEMIA COMPLICATING EPSTEIN-BARR-VIRUS INFECTION

Hepatitis is a well-recognised complication of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV ) infection that usually resolves spontaneously. Jaundice occasionally results from the unusual complication of autoimmune haemolytic anaemi a rather than hepatitis. Two adult patients are described with infecti ous mononucleosis-related hepatitis who also developed significant hae molysis, a situation that could have led to diagnostic delay and a del eterious outcome. Haemolysis should be considered in all patients who become jaundiced after infectious mononucleosis. The management of thi s potentially fatal complication is discussed.