Reactive hemophagocytic syndrome in the setting of acute human immunodeficiency virus 1 infection: case report and review of the literature

A Review of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in Patients With HIV

We provide an elaborate review of cases published between January 2005 and April 2021 on hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in HIV patients. Seventy articles describing 81 adult patients (age ≥19 years) were included. The median age was 40 years, and 78% were males. Only 65% were known to have HIV before presentation. CD4 count was ≥200 cells/mm3 in 23%, and HIV viral load was <200 copies/mL in 41%. The lack of meticulous reporting of ≥5 of 8 criteria for HLH diagnosis was evident in a third of cases. At least 1 infectious agent-other than HIV-was believed to trigger HLH in 78% of patients. The most common were Epstein-Barr virus (26%), human herpesvirus 8 (21%), and Histoplasma capsulatum (17%). Sixty percent survived. Among those, 93% received treatment for identified secondary trigger(s), while 51% received HLH-directed therapy. There was significant heterogeneity in the treatment regimens used for HLH.

Hemophagocytic syndrome associated with Mycobacterium bovis in a patient with X-SCID: a case report

Background

Mycobacterium bovis could infect patients with immunodeficiency or immunosuppressive conditions via Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination. Tuberculosis-related hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) is reported, but not HPS caused by Mycobacterium bovis in children.

Case presentation

A 4-month Chinese boy presented fever and cough. The initial laboratory investigation showed the lymphocyte count of 0.97 × 10⁹/L, which decreased gradually. HPS was diagnosed based on the test results that fulfilled the HLH-2004 criteria. In addition, Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex was detected from his peripheral blood via metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and M. bovis was identified by polymerase chain reaction-reverse dot blot (PCR-RDB). Thus, the patient was treated with Isoniazid, Rifampin, and Pyrazinamide, but not improved. However, parents refused to accept further therapy, and was discharged on the day 12 of admission. To confirm the pathogenesis, genetic analysis was performed. Mutation in the interleukin-2 receptor subunit gamma gene: Exon 6: c.854G > A; p. Arg285Gln was detected in the patient and the mother, which could underlie X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency.

Conclusions

A boy with X-SCID was diagnosed with M. bovis-associated HPS, emphasizing that X-SCID should be considered when M. bovis is detected in a male infant with low lymphocyte counts.

Cytomegalovirus and disseminated histoplasmosis-related hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis syndrome in an HIV-patient late presenter with IRIS: a case report

Background

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis syndrome (HLS) is an immune-mediated life-threatening disease considered as a medical emergency, with a potentially fatal multisystem inflammatory outcome. We present a patient that developed HLS and was able to be diagnosed efficiently with the help of an academic research institute of immunology.

Case presentation

A 21 years old male Mexican with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), late presenter; who developed cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and a disseminated histoplasmosis-related HLS, as part of an immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). The patient required a long course of corticotherapy, intravenous immunoglobulin and massive transfusions (more than 10 units in 24 h, and a total of 83 units), besides amphotericin-B and ganciclovir treatment. An academic research institute of immunology aided in the accurate diagnosis of HLS with the implementation of tests not available within the hospital, thus improving the care provided to the patient. The patient recovered, was discharged, and continue to improve.

Conclusion

The objective of this report is to highlight the importance of having multidisciplinary support, including basic medical sciences groups providing specific tests that are sometimes very difficult to get, which provides a benefit to patients in the well-aimed diagnosis as part of applied translational medicine.

Acute human immunodeficiency virus infection associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

Although acute HIV-induced HLH is rare in literature, HIV is an important differential diagnosis in patients with HLH. In our study, a 33-year-old previously healthy male patient was admitted with fever of unknown origin, lymphadenopathy, generalized edema, transaminitis, acute renal failure, oliguria, myalgias, night sweats, unintentional weight loss, and leukopenia. Disease course was indicative of a viral-like prodrome of roughly 2-month duration. At an outside hospital, full viral work-up (including EBV, CMV, HIV antibodies, hepatitis panel) was negative. HIV p24 antigen assay was not available at the outside facility. Outside liver chemistry and lymph node biopsy were suggestive of HLH. HLH was confirmed via serum ferritin, white cell receptor, and cytokine studies. Repeat viral and rheumatologic studies revealed a positive p24 antigen with indeterminant HIV antibody. We demonstrate efficacy of a specific treatment plan as well as importance of p24 antigen studies in patients with HLH and/or the HIV window-period, adding to available literature/documentation of a rare disease process.