Haemophilus influenzae Sepsis and Shock Secondary to Biliary Infection in an Adult

Abstract
• A 46-year-old woman was seen with biliary obstruction secondary to a pancreatic tumor. After undergoing a percutaneous liver biopsy, she became septic and went into shock. Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteremia and biliary infection were verified. With treatment, the patient recovered from the infection. Biliary infection by H influenzae is rare, and fulminant infections in adults are even more uncommon. Hazards of invasive diagnostic procedures in patients with obstructive jaundice are discussed. (Arch Intern Med 1981;141:795-796)