Lysinuric protein intolerance mimicking N-acetylglutamate synthase deficiency in a nine-year-old boy

We report a 9-year-old boy with lysinuric protein intolerance (LPI). He had developmental delay, short stature, failure to thrive, high-protein food aversion, hypothyroidism, growth hormone deficiency, features of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), decreased bone mineral density and multiple thoracic spine compression fractures on X-ray. LPI was suspected, but urine amino acid profile and normal orotic acid did not suggest biochemical diagnosis of LPI. Targeted next generation sequencing panel for HLH (including SLC7A7) was organized. Due to elevated glutamine in plasma amino acid analysis, a metabolic consultation was initiated and his asymptomatic post-prandial ammonia was 295 μmol/L. We then suspected n-acetylglutamate synthase or carbamoyl-phosphate synthase I deficiency due to marked hyperammonemia, elevated glutamine level, normal orotic acid, and normalization of ammonia at 2 h of carglumic acid (200 mg/kg/d). His targeted next generation sequencing panel for HLH revealed homozygous pathogenic variant in SLC7A7 ((NM_001126106.2): c.726G>A (p.Trp242*)) and confirmed the diagnosis of LPI. We emphasize the importance of genetic investigations in the diagnosis of LPI.

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LPI associated hyperammonemia responds to carbaglumic acid.

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Protein aversion, and failure to thrive should warrant for ammonia measurement.

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Multisystem disease should include LPI into the differential diagnosis even in the absence of typical biochemical features.

Hematological immune related adverse events after treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors

INTRODUCTION

With the increasing use of checkpoint inhibitors, rare immune-related adverse events (irAE) are being identified. Haematological irAE (hem-irAE) are difficult to treat and have shown high mortality rates. In order to improve side-effect management for these potentially life-threatening events, we analysed frequency, severity and outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients who developed hem-irAE while being treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) therapy were retrospectively identified from 18 international cancer centres.

RESULTS

In total, more than 7626 patients treated with ICI were screened, and 50 patients with hem-irAE identified. The calculated incidence amounts to 0.6% and median onset was 6 weeks after the ICI initiation (range 1-128 weeks). Thrombocytopenia and leucopaenia were the most frequent hem-irAE with 34% (17/50) and 34% (17/50), respectively, followed by anaemia 28% (14/50), hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (4% (2/50)), aplastic anaemia (2% (1/50)), acquired haemophilia A (2% (1/50)) and coagulation deficiency (2% (1/50)). Simultaneous thrombocytopenia and neutropenia occurred in two patients, concurrent anaemia and thrombocytopenia in one patient. Other than cessation of ICI (in 60%) and corticosteroids (in 78%), treatment included second-line immunosuppression in 24% of cases. Events resolved in 78% (39/50), while 18% (9/50) had persistent changes, and 2% (1/50) had fatal outcomes (agranulocytosis).

CONCLUSION

Hem-irAE can affect all haematopoietic blood cell lineages and may persist or even be fatal. Management may require immunosuppression beyond corticosteroids. Although these irAE are rare, treating physicians should be aware, monitor blood counts regularly and promptly act upon detection.

Haploidentical Stem Cell Transplant with Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide in Pediatric Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis

PURPOSE

Primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a severe and uncommon disease affecting pediatric patients. Genetic abnormalities have been related to altered apoptosis and exaggerated inflammatory reactions. Chemoimmunotherapy and stem cell transplantation are treatment options, but transplant is the only curative treatment. Here we aim to describe the treatment with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with a novel strategy and the outcomes.

METHODS

An observational, descriptive, case series study was performed in pediatric patients of two high complexity medical centers in Colombia. Data was collected retrospectively between 2015 and 2020.

RESULTS

We describe five pediatric cases with a diagnosis of primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. All were treated with replete-cell haploidentical hematopoietic stem transplantation, reduced-intensity conditioning, and post-transplant cyclophosphamide, in two high-complexity centers in Colombia. All patients are alive, and one is receiving management for chronic graft-versus-host disease.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, there are few reports in the literature with this strategy, promising a possible alternative when there are no other donor options.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and myelodysplastic syndrome: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is characterized by hyperinflammation and life-threatening cytopenias. Survival is poor, and management is pivotal on rapid identification of the disease. HLH is associated with hematologic malignancies, however correlation with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is exceedingly unusual. Although minimizing overwhelming hyperinflammation by treating hemophagocytosis are central for HLH outcome, there is urgent necessity to identify potential initiating mechanisms that could assist in therapy design.

CASE DESCRIPTION

Here, we describe an elderly African American patient who developed rapid onset of cytopenias and coagulopathy associated with hepatic and bone marrow hemophagocytosis. We analyze four additional similar cases to isolate clinical, laboratory and cytogenetic findings expected in patients exhibiting concurrent HLH and MDS. HLH linked with MDS retains common HLH features associated with systemic hyperinflammation such as fever, hypotension, hepatosplenomegaly, hyperferritinemia, coagulopathy and rapidly evolving cytopenias. Typical MDS chromosomic abnormality such as trisomy 8 was frequently observed in our studied cases.

CONCLUSION

Our case describes difficulties while managing HLH in MDS patients. Diagnosis should be based on identifying HLH appropriate criteria and if possible karyotypic abnormalities normally observed in MDS.

Use of the JAK Inhibitor Ruxolitinib in the Treatment of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare hyperinflammatory syndrome driven by overactive T cells and macrophages that abundantly secrete numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukin (IL)-1-beta, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). The release of these and other cytokines underlies many of the clinical and pathologic manifestations of HLH, which if left untreated, can lead to multi-organ failure and death. The advent of etoposide-based regimens, such as the Histiocyte Society HLH-94 and HLH-2004 protocols, has substantially decreased the mortality associated with HLH. Nevertheless, the 5-year survival remains low at ~60%. To improve upon these results, studies have focused on the use of novel cytokine-directed therapies to dampen inflammation in HLH. Among the agents being tested is ruxolitinib, a potent inhibitor of the Janus Kinase (JAK) and Signal Transducer and Activation of Transcription (STAT) pathway, which functions downstream of many HLH-associated cytokines. Here, we review the basic biology of HLH, including the role of cytokines in disease pathogenesis, and discuss the use of ruxolitinib in the treatment of HLH.

Exome sequencing detected an extremely rare case of foetal onset familial haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type 5 presenting with hydrops foetalis

Background

Familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL) is a genetically heterogeneous autosomal recessive hyper-inflammatory syndrome which needs early accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment to prevent complications and early mortality. Recently, it was reported that mutations in STXBP2 gene are linked to FHL type 5 (FHL-5).

Case Presentation

We report a Sri Lankan neonate who presented with low Apgar scores at birth, abdominal distension, and hepatosplenomegaly, followed by lethargy, poor sucking and rapid decompensation with wide spread activation of inflammation within 48 h of birth. Her elder sibling also had a similar presentation during early neonatal period and deceased at two weeks of age with no diagnosis. Unfortunately, the index case deceased at 14 days of age following multi-organ dysfunction and severe metabolic acidosis. Targeted gene panel followed by reflex exome sequencing revealed a novel likely pathogenic homozygous variant in the STXBP2 gene (NM_001272034.1:c.1141-2A > G) which confirmed the diagnosis of autosomal recessive FHL-5.

Conclusion

Early diagnosis of FHL type 5 using genetic analysis and timely treatment are difficult in the absence of family history due to a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. However both early diagnosis and treatment doesn’t alter the long term prognosis. So genetic counselling would be the better option.

Systemic and Nodular Hyperinflammation in a Patient with Refractory Familial Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis 2

Familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening hyperinflammatory syndrome resulting from defective cytotoxicity. A previously healthy 3-month-old female presented with fever, irritability, abdominal distention, and tachypnea. She ultimately met all eight HLH-2004 diagnostic criteria, accompanied by elevated CXCL9. Initial empiric anti-inflammatory treatment included anakinra and IVIg, which stabilized ferritin and cytopenias. She had molecular and genetic confirmation of perforin deficiency and was started on dexamethasone and etoposide per HLH-94. She clinically improved, though CXCL9 and sIL-2Ra remained elevated. She was readmitted at week 8 for relapsed HLH without clear trigger and HLH-94 induction therapy was reinitiated. Her systemic HLH symptoms failed to respond and she soon developed symptomatic CNS HLH. She was incidentally found to have multifocal lung and kidney nodules, which were sterile and consisted largely of histiocytes and activated, oligoclonal CD8 T cells. The patient had a laboratory response to salvage therapy with alemtuzumab and emapalumab, but progressive neurologic decline led to withdrawal of care. This report highlights HLH foci manifest as pulmonary/renal nodules, demonstrates the utility of monitoring an array of HLH biomarkers, and suggests possible benefit of earlier salvage therapy.

Macrophage activation syndrome in a newborn: report of a case associated with neonatal lupus erythematosus and a summary of the literature

BACKGROUND

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a life-threatening hyperinflammatory syndrome and is caused by a severely dysregulated immune response. It has rarely been associated with neonatal lupus.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a female neonate with MAS born to a mother who had cutaneous lupus erythematosus with circulating anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-SSA, anti-SSB and anti-extractable nuclear antigen (anti-ENA) antibodies. Because of neonatal lupus (NLE) with a total atrioventricular block, epicardial pacemaker implantation was required on the sixth day of life. Following surgery she developed non-remitting fever and disseminated erythematous skin lesions. A diagnosis of MAS was made based on these symptoms, with hyperferritinemia, elevated transaminases, hypertriglyceridemia, and a skin biopsy that showed hemophagocytosis. Our patient was treated with steroids for 3 months with good effect. No relapse has occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

MAS is a rare complication of neonatal lupus that may be difficult to diagnose, but needs to be treated promptly. In this article, pathogenesis and overlap of MAS and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) has been described. Diagnosis of MAS can be difficult. Different diagnostic criteria are used in both diagnosing MAS and HLH. Validated criteria for diagnosis of MAS in other disease than systemic onset JIA have not been validated yet. In NLE, diagnosing MAS is even more difficult, since skin lesions are already common in NLE. We show the potential additional value of skin biopsy in diagnosing MAS.

Wolman's disease presenting with secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: a case report from Saudi Arabia and literature review

Background

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare and potentially fatal syndrome that is characterized by strong activation of the immune system from hyperinflammatory cytokines. Symptoms of HLH patients include fever, hepatosplenomegaly, cytopenia, and hyperferritinemia. Inherited HLH is classified as primary, whereas secondary HLH (sHLH) occurs when acquired from non-inherited reasons that include severe infection, immune deficiency syndrome, autoimmune disorder, neoplasm, and metabolic disorder. Wolman’s disease (WD) is a rare and fatal infantile metabolic disorder caused by lysosomal acid lipase deficiency, that exhibits similar clinical signs and symptoms as HLH. This paper reports the case of an infant diagnosed with WD and who presented with sHLH.

Case presentation

A 4-month-old infant presenting with hepatosplenomegaly, failure to thrive, and other abnormalities. WD diagnosis was confirmed by the presence of the LIPA gene homozygous deletion c.(428 + 1_967-1)_(*1_?)del. The infant also met the HLH-2004 diagnostic criteria.

Conclusions

Metabolic disorder such as WD should be investigated in infants fulfilling the HLH criteria to diagnose the underlying condition. More studies are needed to understand the link between WD and sHLH and to identify appropriate therapies.

Estimating health state utilities in hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

BACKGROUND

Hemophagocyti.c lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare and severe disorder characterized by abnormal activation of the immune system. Primary HLH causes prolonged fever, spleen and liver enlargement, and organ dysfunction, usually in infancy and early childhood and is fatal if left untreated. As effective treatment options emerge, such as emapalumab-lzsg, Health Technology Assessment bodies around the world will assess them in terms of cost-effectiveness. This study was designed to estimate quality of life weights (utilities) for such analyses.

METHODS

Vignettes were developed describing HLH treatment related health states. Health states included active HLH, HLH plus neurological symptoms, receiving chemotherapy, undergoing stem cell transplant (SCT), graft versus host disease (GVHD), cure and end of life care. The vignettes were based on information from in depth interviews with clinical specialists; and qualitative research with four parents of children with primary HLH aged between 1 and 18 years old. The vignettes were then assessed in time trade off (TTO) interviews with members of the UK general public in one on one face to face interviews with trained, experienced interviewers. Preference data were analysed using the generalised estimating equations framework.

RESULTS

Detailed qualitative data captured the substantial burden of this disease for young children. One hundred participants completed the TTO interviews. The utility score for Active HLH was estimated as 0.32 (95% CI, 0.24 to 0.39). Values for other states were HLH plus neurological symptoms (0.27, 95%CI 0.18-0.35), receiving chemotherapy (0.26, 95%CI 0.17-0.34), undergoing SCT (0.18, 95%CI 0.07-0.28), GVHD (0.07, 95%CI -0.04-0.17), cure (0.72, 95%CI 0.67-0.77) and end of life care (- 0.17, 95%CI -0.27- -0.07).

CONCLUSIONS

This study has estimated utility weights for seven different HLH related states which are based on detailed input from carers and physicians and have good face validity. There are few other options for collecting these data in an ultra-rare setting.

Prognosis predicting value of semiquantitative parameters of visceral adipose tissue and subcutaneous adipose tissue of 18F-FDG PET/CT in newly diagnosed secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognosis predicting value of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT, and clinical inflammatory cytokines in newly diagnosed secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (SHLH).

METHODS

We retrospectively collected 58 patients with newly diagnosed SHLH from August 2016 to July 2019 in our hospital. All patients were followed up between 6 and 24 months. First, a comprehensive comparison of the general data between the death and the survival group was performed. Clinical lab indexes included were recorded and analyzed retrospectively. Second, the correlation between ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT semiquantitative metabolic parameters of VAT, SAT and inflammatory cytokines was performed. 3D slicer software was used to get SUV and volume of VAT and SAT from ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT. Third, overall survival (OS) analysis was performed. Finally, the prognosis predicting model was built based on risk factors to stratify SHLH patients.

RESULTS

There was significant difference in WBC, PLT, FBG, IL-10, PCR tests of EBV-DNA loads, SCD25 between the death group and the survival group. There was significant correlation between SAT coefficient variance (CV) and CRP, the mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean) of SAT (SAT SUVmean) and TG, SAT SUVmean and ESR. In univariate analysis with Cox regression analysis, SUVmean of VAT (VAT SUVmean), SAT Volume, SUVmean of SAT, CV of SAT (SAT HU CV), plasma EBV-DNA, WBC, PLT, FBG showed significance with OS. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, SAT Volume, SUVmean of SAT, plasma EBV-DNA, were independent prognostic factors for OS.

CONCLUSIONS

For newly diagnosed SHLH, SAT Volume, SUVmean of SAT, plasma EBV-DNA had significant relationship with poor prognosis. They were important independent predictors for overall survival for newly diagnosed SHLH.

Secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and severe liver injury induced by hepatic SARS-CoV-2 infection unmasking Wilson's disease: Balancing immunosuppression

A 21-year-old woman was hospitalized due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated respiratory and hepatic impairment concomitant with severe hemolytic anemia. Upon diagnosis of secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, immunosuppression with anakinra and steroids was started, leading to a hepatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and viremia. Subsequent liver biopsy revealed virus particles in hepatocytes by electron microscopy and SARS-CoV-2 virus could be isolated and cultured. Immunosuppression was stopped and convalescent donor plasma given. In the differential diagnosis, an acute crisis of Wilson’s disease was raised by laboratory and genetic testing. This case highlights the complexity of balancing immunosuppression to control hyperinflammation versus systemic SARS-CoV-2 dissemination.

Characteristics and predictors of post-transplant-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in adults

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an uncontrolled hyperinflammatory disorder driven by an overactive immune system that results in high mortality. Post-transplant-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (PT-HLH) is a type of secondary HLH that occurs following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The clinical features of PT-HLH remain unclear and diagnostic and prognostic tools have not yet been established. Here, we retrospectively evaluated the clinical manifestations and outcomes of PT-HLH in 94 patients who underwent allo-HSCT. According to our PT-HLH criteria (hyperferritinemia and increased macrophage count in bone marrow), PT-HLH occurred in 12 patients (12.8%). The PT-HLH patients showed splenomegaly (P = .001), a higher risk of engraftment failure (P = .013), and an increased percentage of macrophages and hemophagocytes in bone marrow aspirates (P = .0009 and P = .0006, respectively). Moreover, univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that the survival rate was lower in PT-HLH patients than non-PT-HLH patients (P = .0017 and P = .034, respectively). This study defines the clinical features of PT-HLH and PT-HLH criteria that could be useful tools for diagnosing PT-HLH.

Weathering the COVID-19 storm: Lessons from hematologic cytokine syndromes

A subset of patients with severe COVID-19 develop profound inflammation and multi-organ dysfunction consistent with a "Cytokine Storm Syndrome" (CSS). In this review we compare the clinical features, diagnosis, and pathogenesis of COVID-CSS with other hematological CSS, namely secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH), idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD), and CAR-T cell therapy associated Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS). Novel therapeutics targeting cytokines or inhibiting cell signaling pathways have now become the mainstay of treatment in these CSS. We review the evidence for cytokine blockade and attenuation in these known CSS as well as the emerging literature and clinical trials pertaining to COVID-CSS. Established markers of inflammation as well as cytokine levels are compared and contrasted between these four entities in order to establish a foundation for future diagnostic criteria of COVID-CSS.

Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy with oXiris® Membrane in Severe Ebstein-Barr Virus-Mediated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: A Case Report

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a life-threatening disease with uncontrolled immune activation and inflammatory reaction, often leads to a deadly cytokine storm. In severe Ebstein-Barr virus-triggered HLH receiving standard immunosuppression, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) with oXiris® blood purification membrane resulted in a timely reduction of inflammatory markers and discontinuation of vasopressors. To our knowledge, this is the first report of successful use of the oXiris® membrane in HLH.

Outcomes of adult critically ill patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in united states-analysis from an administrative database from 2007 to 2015

BACKGROUND

Severe infections caused by the novel coronavirus 2 display similarities to secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). However, HLH is a rare disease and has not been well described in critically ill patients.

METHODS

We used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), the largest all-payer inpatient care database publicly available in the United States to identify all adult discharges with Hemophagocytic syndrome (ICD-9 CM code 288.4) between 2007 and 2015. Critical illness was considered present if patient had either ICD-9 CM code indicating the requirement of invasive mechanical ventilation or the presence of shock. We used ICD-9-CM codes to identify various infections (inf-HLH), malignancies (mal-HLH) and autoimmune diseases associated with HLH (MAS-HLH) and classified them in their respective groups. Primary outcome was in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients. We developed multivariable regression model to examine variables associated with mortality in critically ill HLH patients. P value was kept at < 0.05.

RESULTS

Of the 7420 (95% CI 6959-7881) estimated discharges with HLH, 2313 (31%) were critically ill. Of the critically ill patients, 442 (34%) were mal-HLH, 422 (43.3%) were inf-HLH, 403 (30.7%) were MAS-HLH and 1046 (27.3%) were unable to be classified. In hospital mortality rates were 6.4% in non-critically ill and 48.4% in critically ill patients. Among the subtypes of HLH, in-hospital mortality was 53% in mal-HLH, 49.4% in inf-HLH, 26% in MAS-HLH and 54.6% in unclassified group. On multivariable regression analysis, development of acute renal failure requiring hemodialysis (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.29-3.3, P=0.002) and acute hepatic failure (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.38-3.52, P=0.001) were significantly associated with higher mortality.

CONCLUSION

Inpatient mortality of critically ill patients is remarkably high. Patients with MAS-HLH had better outcomes when compared to other groups of HLH.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis caused by STAT1 gain-of-function mutation is not driven by interferon-γ: A case report

BACKGROUND

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening hyper-inflammatory syndrome caused by many genetic defects. STAT1 is a DNA-binding factor that regulates gene transcription. HLH caused by STAT1 gain-of-function (GOF) mutations has rarely been reported and its clinical manifestations and mechanisms are not clearly defined.

CASE SUMMARY

A 2-year-old boy presented to our hospital with recurrent fever for > 20 d. The patient had a personal history of persistent oral candidiasis and inoculation site infection during the past 2 years. Hepatosplenomegaly was noted. Complete blood cell count showed severe anemia, thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. Other laboratory tests showed liver dysfunction, hypertriglyceridemia and decreased fibrinogen. Hemophagocytosis was found in the bone marrow. Chest computed tomography showed a cavitary lesion. Tests for fungal infection were positive. Serum T helper (Th) 1/Th2 cytokine determination demonstrated moderately elevated levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 with normal interferon (IFN)-γ concentration. Mycobacterium bovis was identified in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid by polymerase chain reaction. Genetic testing identified a heterozygous mutation of c.1154C>T causing a T385M amino acid substitution in STAT1. Despite antibacterial and antifungal therapy, the febrile disease was not controlled. The signs of HLH were relieved after HLH-94 protocol administration, except fever. Fever was not resolved until he received anti-tuberculosis therapy. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was refused and the patient died six months later due to severe pneumonia.

CONCLUSION

Patients with STAT1 GOF mutation have broad clinical manifestations and may develop HLH. This form of HLH presents with normal IFN-γ level without cytokine storm.

A Severe Case of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma in a Previously Healthy Woman: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges

Anaplastic large cell lymphomas are an aggressive subtype of peripheral T-cell lymphomas that can manifest with a variety of symptoms. Our case highlights the importance of prompt tissue sampling, especially if an associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is detected and no clinical improvement is observed upon glucocorticoid treatment.

Associations between PRF1 Ala91Val polymorphism and risk of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: a meta-analysis based on 1366 subjects

BACKGROUND

Perforin (PRF1) gene mutation can cause the onset of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). It has reported that PRF1 Ala91Val polymorphism was related with HLH risk. In the meta-analysis, we aim to evaluate the association between PRF1 Ala91Val polymorphism and HLH risk.

METHODS

We accomplished a meta-analysis of six published case-control studies including 391 patients with HLH and 975 controls. We evaluated the quality of each study through Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Data analysis was performed with Stata software.

RESULTS

In general, all studies were of high quality (NOS score higher than 7). There were statistically significant between the PRF1 Ala91Val polymorphism and HLH risk though the pooled analysis [for Ala/Val vs. Ala/Ala: pooled odds ratio (OR) = 3.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08-9.56, P = 0.035, random model; for Ala/Val + Val/Val vs. Ala/Ala: pooled OR = 2.96, 95% CI 1.14-7.69, P = 0.025, random model]. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis also revealed a relationship between PRF1 Ala91Val polymorphism and HLH risk (for Ala/Val vs. Ala/Ala: pooled OR = 5.236, 95% CI 2.72-10.08, P < 0.000, I² = 12.1%, P_{heterogeneity} = 0.332; for Ala/Val + Val/Val vs. Ala/Ala, pooled OR = 4.856, 95% CI 2.66-8.85, P < 0.000, I² = 5.9%, P_{heterogeneity} = 0.373). Funnel plot and Egger's test did not indicate obvious published bias (P = 0.841 for Ala/Val vs. Ala/Ala; P = 0.284 for Ala/Val + Val/Val vs. Ala/Ala).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis indicated that PRF1 Ala91Val polymorphism affects the factor for developing HLH and future studies of PRF1 Ala91Val on the onset of HLH will be guaranteed.

[The diagnostic value of flow cytometry in patients with lymphoma associated hemophagocytic syndrome]

Objective: To evaluate the reliability of flow cytometry (FCM) for diagnosing lymphoma associated hemophagocytic syndrome (LAHS). Method: The clinical data in 57 patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)were retrospective analyzed at Peking University Shenzhen Hospital from July 2010 to July 2019. All patients were performed bone marrow FCM and bone marrow pathological examination before final diagnoses were made. The golden diagnosis criterion was based on clinical, biochemical and histopathological evidence, which was regarded as the standard to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of FCM analysis in diagnosing LAHS. Results: Among 57 cases, 36 cases were eventually diagnosed with LAHS, including 15 B-cell lymphoma(14 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, 1 B-cell lymphoma with reactive T-cell hyperplasia), 13 aggressive NK/T cell lymphoma/leukemia, 2 cases of gamma-delta T-cell lymphoma, 4 angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, 1 enteropathy-associated peripheral T-cell lymphoma and 1 anaplastic T-cell lymphoma. Lymphoma cells in bone marrow were detected in all patients by FCM except one ENTCL patient. The sensitivity and the specificity of FCM in LASH compared to bone marrow biopsy were 97.2%(P=0.014)and 90.5%(P=0.488) respectively. In the other 21 non-LAHS patients, T cell receptor Vβ (TCRVβ) rearrangement was detected in 2 patients with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) associated primary HLH. Conclusions: FCM effectively detects lymphoma cells in bone marrow of lymphoma patients with LHL, suggesting that FCM could be an important indicator for the diagnosis of LAHS. FCM also has the advantage in differentiating LAHS from other HLH.

SARS CoV 2 infection in chronic myelogenous leukemia: Severe hematological presentation

Infection with SARS-CoV-2, the cause of coronavirus infectious disease-19 (COVID-19), has caused a pandemic. Few data are available about the risk of COVID-19 infection in persons with hematological cancer, but controversy whether these persons have the same clinical signs and outcomes. We describe a case of life-threatening COVID-19 infection complicated by severe anemia in patients affected also by chronic myelogenous leukemia. The screening for RBC antibodies and the direct antiglobulin test (DAT) turned positive. The identification of the antibodies, showed the presence of an alloantibody with anti-Lewis b specificity, which was reactive at room temperature, in the anti-human globulin phase (AGH) and with papain-treated red blood cells. At the same time hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), on the basis of major laboratory findings including hyperferritnemia, increase of triglicerides levels and according to the HLH score was suspected. Patients received antiviral therapy, steroids and intravenous immunoglobulins. Hemolysis resolved and ferritin dramatically decreased after administration of Ig and a Afull recovery was achieved after viral infection resolution.This case highlights the novel and multifaceted hematological findings during sever COVID 19 infection. COVID 19-related pneumonia is mediated by hyper activation of effector T cells and excessive production of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-1, interferon-gamma, and TNF. This inflammatory process called "cytokine storm" is a life-threatening complication of COVID 19 infection. In this case severe immunohematological consequences are reported for the first time and recognition of this complications are probably underestimated.

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in Children with Chronic Granulomatous Disease-Single-Center Experience from North India

BACKGROUND

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an inherited defect in components of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase complex that results in potential life-threatening infective and noninfective complications. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an unusual but important inflammatory complication of CGD. Optimal management strategies have not yet been identified in children with CGD who develop HLH.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze clinical and laboratory features of HLH in CGD from a tertiary-care center in North India.

METHODS

A retrospective review of medical records of children with CGD diagnosed in the last 20 years was performed. Clinical and laboratory features of children with CGD who developed HLH were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 80 patients diagnosed with CGD, 5 (6.25%) had evidence of HLH. All 5 were males; 4 had X-linked CGD and 1 had autosomal recessive CGD (NCF2 defect). Two children with CGD had HLH as the predominant presenting manifestation mimicking the clinical presentation of congenital HLH. Infectious triggers identified were bloodstream infections (n = 3) (Candida albicans, Burkholderia cenocepacia, Francisella noatuensis), pneumonia (n = 4), and splenic abscess (n = 1). We document the first human infection with a fish pathogen, F. noatuensis, in a child with X-linked CGD. Although mortality was seen in 3 children who received only intravenous (IV) immunoglobulin therapy, the other 2 who received IV methylprednisolone pulse therapy survived.

CONCLUSION

HLH can be a presenting manifestation of CGD, and workup for CGD must be considered in children with HLH. Early recognition with optimal management of both infectious trigger and HLH is very important to prevent mortality.

A retrospective analysis of etiology and outcomes of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in children and adults

Background

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare but severe, life-threatening inflammatory condition if untreated. We aimed to investigate the etiologies, outcomes, and risk factors for death in children and adults with HLH.

Methods

The medical records of patients who met the HLH criteria of two regional university hospitals in Korea between January 2001 and December 2019 were retrospectively investigated.

Results

Sixty patients with HLH (35 children and 25 adults) were included. The median age at diagnosis was 7.0 years (range, 0.1–83 years), and the median follow-up duration was 8.5 months (range, 0–204 months). Four patients had primary HLH, 48 patients had secondary HLH (20 infection-associated, 18 neoplasm-associated, and 10 autoimmune-associated HLH), and eight patients had HLH of unknown cause. Infection was the most common cause in children (14/35, 40.0%), whereas neoplasia was the most common cause in adults (13/25, 52.0%). Twenty-eight patients were treated with HLH-2004/94 immunochemotherapy. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate for all HLH patients was 59.9%. The 5-year OS rates for patients with primary, infection-associated, neoplasm-associated, autoimmune-associated, and unknown cause HLH were 25.0%, 85.0%, 26.7%, 87.5%, and 62.5%, respectively. Using multivariate analysis, neoplasm-induced HLH (p=0.001) and a platelet count <50×10⁹/L (p=0.008) were identified as independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with HLH.

Conclusion

Infection was the most common cause of HLH in children, while it was neoplasia in adults. The 5-year OS rate for all HLH patients was 59.9%. HLH caused by an underlying neoplasm or a low platelet count at the time of diagnosis were risk factors for poor prognosis.

The prognostic role of plasma fibrinogen in adult secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

BACKGROUND

In adult patients with secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH), no valid immune biomarker has been available for predicting the prognosis of untreated sHLH patients.

METHODS

Circulating plasma levels of fibrinogen (FIB) were measured at diagnosis in 293 cases of adult sHLH. We categorized FIB levels into tertiles. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the relationship between FIB and survival. Restricted cubic spline models and two-piecewise Cox proportional hazards models were used to address the nonlinear association between FIB and mortality.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 52 (interquartile ranges, 18-221) days, 208 deaths occurred, with 137 deaths in malignancy-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (MHLH) and 71 deaths in non-malignancy-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (non-MHLH). After multivariable adjustment, compared with the highest tertile of FIB, the hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of survival for tertile 2 and tertile 1 were 1.06 (0.90-1.24) and 0.84 (0.71-0.98), respectively. The restricted cubic spline curve displayed a nonlinear and inverse relationship between FIB and mortality. Furthermore, the threshold effect analysis demonstrated that the inflection point for the curve was at an FIB level of 1.76 g/L. The HRs (95% CIs) for survival were 0.68 (0.55-0.83) and 1.08 (0.96-1.21) on the left and right side of the inflection point, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that plasma fibrinogen is nonlinearly and inversely associated with the risk of mortality in adult secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and miliary tuberculosis in a previously healthy individual: a case report

BACKGROUND

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare heterogenous genetic or acquired hyperinflammatory syndrome associated with a high degree of morbidity and mortality. HLH has clinical manifestations related to abnormal prolonged activation of T lymphocytes and macrophages with an excess of proinflammatory cytokines. The main causes of secondary HLH are malignancies and infectious diseases.

CASE PRESENTATION

The patient was a 54-year-old man, originally from Eastern Africa, who had lived in Northern Europe for 30 years. Here we describe the clinical features, laboratory parameters, diagnostic workup, management and outcome data of a previously healthy 54-year-old man diagnosed with HLH secondary to tuberculosis. The patient was initially treated for a community-acquired pneumonia. He developed multiorgan failure with acute respiratory distress syndrome, hypertransaminasemia, and kidney and bone marrow dysfunction. The clinical course together with a simultaneous increase in serum ferritin raised the suspicion of HLH. The patient fulfilled seven out of eight diagnostic criteria for HLH. A thorough diagnostic workup with respect to HLH and a potential underlying disease was initiated. Cultivation of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, stool and urine, and polymerase chain reaction of epithelioid cell granulomas in the bone marrow were all positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. He was treated for both HLH and tuberculosis, and he survived without any sequelae.

CONCLUSIONS

We present one of few published cases of a patient who survived HLH triggered by miliary tuberculosis. The current case illustrates the need for awareness of these two diagnoses, and the timely initiation of specific and supportive treatment to reduce mortality.