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Sterba G, Sterba Y. Parasitic and Fungal Triggers of Cytokine Storm Syndrome. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1448:293-305. [PMID: 39117823 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-59815-9_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Infections caused by parasites and fungi can trigger the cytokine storm syndrome (CSS). These infections causing CSS can occur together with acquired immunodeficiencies, lymphomas, the use of immunosuppressive medications, transplant recipients, cancer, autoinflammatory, and autoimmune diseases or less frequently in healthy individuals. Histoplasma, Leishmania, Plasmodium, and Toxoplasma are the most frequent organisms associated with a CSS. It is very important to determine a previous travel history when evaluating a patient with a CSS triggered by these organisms as this may be the clue to the causal agent. Even though CSS is treated with specific therapies, an effort to find the causal organism should be carried out since the treatment of the infectious organism may stop the CSS. Diagnosing a CSS in the presence of parasitic or fungal sepsis should also lead to the study of an altered cytotoxic or hemophagocytic response in the susceptible host.
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Veras PST, de Santana MBR, Brodskyn CI, Fraga DBM, Solcà MS, De Menezes JPB, Leite BMM, Teixeira HMP. Elucidating the role played by bone marrow in visceral leishmaniasis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1261074. [PMID: 37860064 PMCID: PMC10582953 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1261074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a widespread group of infectious diseases that significantly impact global health. Despite high prevalence, leishmaniasis often receives inadequate attention in the prioritization of measures targeting tropical diseases. The causative agents of leishmaniasis are protozoan parasites of the Leishmania genus, which give rise to a diverse range of clinical manifestations, including cutaneous and visceral forms. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), the most severe form, can be life-threatening if left untreated. Parasites can spread systemically within the body, infecting a range of organs, such as the liver, spleen, bone marrow and lymph nodes. Natural reservoirs for these protozoa include rodents, dogs, foxes, jackals, and wolves, with dogs serving as the primary urban reservoir for Leishmania infantum. Dogs exhibit clinical and pathological similarities to human VL and are valuable models for studying disease progression. Both human and canine VL provoke clinical symptoms, such as organ enlargement, fever, weight loss and abnormal gamma globulin levels. Hematologic abnormalities have also been observed, including anemia, leukopenia with lymphocytosis, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. Studies in dogs have linked these hematologic changes in peripheral blood to alterations in the bone marrow. Mouse models of VL have also contributed significantly to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying these hematologic and bone marrow abnormalities. This review consolidates information on hematological and immunological changes in the bone marrow of humans, dogs, and mice infected with Leishmania species causing VL. It includes findings on the role of bone marrow as a source of parasite persistence in internal organs and VL development. Highlighting gaps in current knowledge, the review emphasizes the need for future research to enhance our understanding of VL and identify potential targets for novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Sampaio Tavares Veras
- Laboratory of Parasite - Host Interaction and Epidemiology, Gonçalo Moniz Institute-Fiocruz Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology of Tropical Diseases, National Council for Scientific Research and Development (CNPq), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Maria Borges Rabêlo de Santana
- Laboratory of Parasite - Host Interaction and Epidemiology, Gonçalo Moniz Institute-Fiocruz Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Claudia Ida Brodskyn
- Laboratory of Parasite - Host Interaction and Epidemiology, Gonçalo Moniz Institute-Fiocruz Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Deborah Bittencourt Mothé Fraga
- Laboratory of Parasite - Host Interaction and Epidemiology, Gonçalo Moniz Institute-Fiocruz Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Manuela Silva Solcà
- Laboratory of Parasite - Host Interaction and Epidemiology, Gonçalo Moniz Institute-Fiocruz Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Bruna Martins Macedo Leite
- Laboratory of Parasite - Host Interaction and Epidemiology, Gonçalo Moniz Institute-Fiocruz Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
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Benevenuta C, Mussinatto I, Orsi C, Timeus FS. Secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in children (Review). Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:423. [PMID: 37602304 PMCID: PMC10433411 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare, life-threatening condition characterized by hyperinflammation in an uncontrolled and ineffective immune response. Despite great improvement in diagnosis and treatment, it still represents a challenge in clinical management, with poor prognosis in the absence of an aggressive therapeutic approach. The present literature review focuses on secondary HLH at pediatric age, which represents a heterogeneous group in terms of etiology and therapeutic approach. It summarizes the most recent evidence on epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis, and provides a detailed description and comparison of the major subtypes of secondary HLH. Finally, it addresses the open questions with a focus on diagnosis and new treatment insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Benevenuta
- Department of Pediatrics, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Torino 4, Chivasso Hospital, I-10034 Turin, Italy
| | - Ilaria Mussinatto
- Department of Pediatrics, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Torino 4, Chivasso Hospital, I-10034 Turin, Italy
| | - Cecilia Orsi
- Department of Pediatrics, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Torino 4, Chivasso Hospital, I-10034 Turin, Italy
| | - Fabio S. Timeus
- Department of Pediatrics, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Torino 4, Chivasso Hospital, I-10034 Turin, Italy
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Dahman HAB, Aljabry AO. Paediatric haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: clinical presentation and outcome of 20 patients at a single institution. Sudan J Paediatr 2023; 23:199-213. [PMID: 38380413 PMCID: PMC10876277 DOI: 10.24911/sjp.106-1659160002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Paediatric haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (pHLH) is a potentially life-threatening condition with significant diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical presentation, the diagnostic challenges, and the outcomes of haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in children assessed at Mukalla Hospital, Yemen. Data from 20 medical records of HLH patients admitted between January 2010 and May 2022 were retrospectively analysed. The median age at presentation was 3.5 ± 5.1 years. Male: female ratio was 1:1. The median time for referral to the hospital was 30 ± 64 days. The most common clinical manifestations were fever and pallor in 95% of cases, and splenomegaly (85%). Hepatomegaly, chest, renal and neurological manifestations were detected in 80%, 45%, 15% and 20% of cases, respectively. Bone marrow haemophagocytosis was detected in 60% of cases. Sixteen patients fulfilled the HLH diagnostic criteria, and 11 patients (55%) received the HLH 2004 protocol. Out of the 20 patients, three (15%) patients are alive. Fourteen patients died, with overall mortality of 82.35%. All mortalities were due to HLH disease with multi-organ failure. Relapse was noticed in five patients either during treatment or after full recovery. pHLH is a challenging emergency with a high mortality rate. High clinical suspicion is essential for early detection and intervention to improve the prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifa Ali Bin Dahman
- Associate Professor, Pediatric Department, Hadhramout University College of Medicine (HUCOM), Al-Mukalla, Yemen
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Mottaghipisheh H, Kalantar K, Amanati A, Shokripour M, Shahriari M, Zekavat OR, Zareifar S, Karimi M, Haghpanah S, Bordbar M. Comparison of the clinical features and outcome of children with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) secondary to visceral leishmaniasis and primary HLH: a single-center study. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:732. [DOI: doi.org/10.1186/s12879-021-06408-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a syndrome of excessive inflammation. We aimed to describe the clinical and laboratory findings of HLH patients secondary to Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and their treatment outcome during a 4-year follow-up period compared to primary HLH.
Method
Forty children with primary HLH confirmed by genetic study and 20 children with HLH secondary to VL confirmed by a blood or bone marrow polymerase chain reaction from 2014 to 2018 in Shiraz, Fars province, Southern Iran, were enrolled.
Results
The median age at diagnosis was 11.5 months (range 1–170), and 56.7% were male. Fever and splenomegaly were the most frequent clinical presentations. 93.3% of the subjects had an HScore > 169, which had a good correlation with HLH-2004 criteria (r = 0.371, P = 0.004). Patients with primary HLH experienced more thrombocytopenia (P = 0.012) and higher alanine transaminase (P = 0.016), while patients with VL-associated HLH had higher ferritin (P = 0.034) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P = 0.011). Central nervous system (CNS) involvement occurred in 38.3% of patients. The mortality rate was higher in patients with CNS disease (61% vs. 35%, P = 0.051). The 3-yr overall survival rate was 35.9%. (24% in primary HLH and 100% in VL-associated HLH, P < 0.001). In Cox regression analysis, platelet count < 100,000/ μ l (hazard ratio 4.472, 95% confidence interval 1.324–15.107, P = 0.016) correlated with increased mortality in patients with primary HLH.
Conclusion
VL is a potential source of secondary HLH in regions with high endemicity. Treatment of the underlying disease in VL-associated HLH is sufficient in most cases, with no need to start etoposide-based chemotherapy.
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Mottaghipisheh H, Kalantar K, Amanati A, Shokripour M, Shahriari M, Zekavat OR, Zareifar S, Karimi M, Haghpanah S, Bordbar M. Comparison of the clinical features and outcome of children with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) secondary to visceral leishmaniasis and primary HLH: a single-center study. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:732. [PMID: 34340686 PMCID: PMC8330039 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06408-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a syndrome of excessive inflammation. We aimed to describe the clinical and laboratory findings of HLH patients secondary to Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and their treatment outcome during a 4-year follow-up period compared to primary HLH. Method Forty children with primary HLH confirmed by genetic study and 20 children with HLH secondary to VL confirmed by a blood or bone marrow polymerase chain reaction from 2014 to 2018 in Shiraz, Fars province, Southern Iran, were enrolled. Results The median age at diagnosis was 11.5 months (range 1–170), and 56.7% were male. Fever and splenomegaly were the most frequent clinical presentations. 93.3% of the subjects had an HScore > 169, which had a good correlation with HLH-2004 criteria (r = 0.371, P = 0.004). Patients with primary HLH experienced more thrombocytopenia (P = 0.012) and higher alanine transaminase (P = 0.016), while patients with VL-associated HLH had higher ferritin (P = 0.034) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P = 0.011). Central nervous system (CNS) involvement occurred in 38.3% of patients. The mortality rate was higher in patients with CNS disease (61% vs. 35%, P = 0.051). The 3-yr overall survival rate was 35.9%. (24% in primary HLH and 100% in VL-associated HLH, P < 0.001). In Cox regression analysis, platelet count < 100,000/ μ l (hazard ratio 4.472, 95% confidence interval 1.324–15.107, P = 0.016) correlated with increased mortality in patients with primary HLH. Conclusion VL is a potential source of secondary HLH in regions with high endemicity. Treatment of the underlying disease in VL-associated HLH is sufficient in most cases, with no need to start etoposide-based chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Mottaghipisheh
- Hematology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Kurosh Kalantar
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Amanati
- Professor Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Amir Oncology Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mansoureh Shokripour
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahdi Shahriari
- Department of Pediatrics, Nemazi Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Omid Reza Zekavat
- Hematology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Soheila Zareifar
- Hematology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehran Karimi
- Hematology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sezaneh Haghpanah
- Hematology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Bordbar
- Hematology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Carvalho FHGD, Lula JF, Teles LDF, Caldeira AP, Carvalho SFGD. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis secondary to visceral leishmaniasis in an endemic area in the north of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2020; 53:e20190491. [PMID: 32578702 PMCID: PMC7310370 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0491-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an ill-studied disease that is endemic to several regions of Brazil. It is often complicated by hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a potentially fatal disorder resulting from excessive non-malignant activation/proliferation of T lymphocytes and macrophages. Considering the overlapping clinical and laboratory characteristics of these diseases, diagnosing HLH is a challenge. Therefore, tracking the association between VL and HLH is necessary in endemic areas. Although HLH can be inapparent and resolve with antileishmanicides, this may not always occur. HLH causes high lethality; therefore, immunosuppressive therapy should be instituted immediately in order to avoid a fatal outcome. METHODS: We described the epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic profile of this association in a region of Brazil endemic for VL. RESULTS We presented 39 patients with this association in a retrospective cohort of 258 children who were admitted from January 2012 to June 2017. Of the 39 patients, 31 were from urban areas (79.5%), and 21 (53%) were males. The mean age and weight were 2.86 (2.08) years and 14.03 (5.96) kg, respectively. The main symptoms were fever (100%), hepatosplenomegaly (100%), pallor of the skin and mucosa (82.5%), edema (38.5%), bleeding (25%), and jaundice (7.5%). Hemophagocytosis was identified in 16/37 (43.24%) patients, and direct examination revealed that 26/37 (70.27%) patients were positive for VL. The patients were treated as recommended by the Ministry of Health. CONCLUSIONS It was observed that HLH is a common complication in endemic areas, and its diagnosis must consider the overlapping of clinical characteristics and pancytopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Leandro de Freitas Teles
- Unimontes, Hospital Universitário Clemente de Faria, Montes Claros, MG, Brasil.,Fundação Hemominas, Montes Claros, MG, Brasil
| | | | - Sílvio Fernando Guimarães de Carvalho
- Unimontes, Hospital Universitário Clemente de Faria, Montes Claros, MG, Brasil.,Unimontes, Departamento de Saúde da Mulher e da Criança, Montes Claros, MG, Brasil
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Altook R, Ruzieh M, Singh A, Alamoudi W, Moussa Z, Alim H, Safi F, Duggan J. Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in the Elderly. Am J Med Sci 2018; 357:67-74. [PMID: 30278875 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare disease of massive, dysregulated cytokine release and secondary multiorgan failure and is associated with high mortality. Primary HLH occurs predominately in infants and young children with a genetic predisposition. Acquired HLH is less well characterized and usually occurs in younger adults in the setting of severe inflammation triggered by infection or malignancy. Little is known about the disease in elderly. We report 3 patients >50 years old who presented with multiorgan failure and shock without an identifiable source and were ultimately diagnosed with acquired HLH. We performed a literature review of HLH in adults >50 years of age and identified an additional 68 cases. Mean age was 62 years, with male predominance. Most cases were triggered by infection (49%) followed by malignancy (27%). Nineteen patients were treated with the HLH-94 protocol, 11 received corticosteroids and the remainder received non-HLH specific interventions. Overall mortality was 62%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyna Altook
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Mohammed Ruzieh
- Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, Penn State University, Hershey Pennsylvania.
| | - Avneet Singh
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Wael Alamoudi
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Zeinab Moussa
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Hussam Alim
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Fadi Safi
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Joan Duggan
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
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Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: A Confusing Problem of the Diagnosis of Visceral Leishmaniasis. Indian J Hematol Blood Transfus 2018; 34:161-162. [DOI: 10.1007/s12288-017-0838-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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Wang DJ, Qiu HX. [Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: advances on etiologies, diagnosis and treatment]. ZHONGHUA XUE YE XUE ZA ZHI = ZHONGHUA XUEYEXUE ZAZHI 2017; 38:261-264. [PMID: 28395457 PMCID: PMC7348371 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0253-2727.2017.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - H X Qiu
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing 210029, China
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Imashuku S. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: Recent progress in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment. World J Hematol 2014; 3:71-84. [DOI: 10.5315/wjh.v3.i3.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2014] [Revised: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a hyperinflammatory syndrome that develops as a primary (familial/hereditary) or secondary (non-familial/hereditary) disease characterized in the majority of the cases by hereditary or acquired impaired cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) and natural killer responses. The molecular mechanisms underlying impaired immune homeostasis have been clarified, particularly for primary diseases. Familial HLH (familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type 2-5, Chediak-Higashi syndrome, Griscelli syndrome type 2, Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome type 2) develops due to a defect in lytic granule exocytosis, impairment of (signaling lymphocytic activation molecule)-associated protein, which plays a key role in CTL activity [e.g., X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP) 1], or impairment of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis, a potent regulator of lymphocyte homeostasis (e.g., XLP2). The development of primary HLH is often triggered by infections, but not in all. Secondary HLH develops in association with infection, autoimmune diseases/rheumatological conditions and malignancy. The molecular mechanisms involved in secondary HLH cases remain unknown and the pathophysiology is not the same as primary HLH. For either primary or secondary HLH cases, immunosuppressive therapy should be given to control the hypercytokinemia with steroids, cyclosporine A, or intravenous immune globulin, and if primary HLH is diagnosed, immunochemotherapy with a regimen containing etoposide or anti-thymocyte globulin should be started. Thereafter, allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation is recommended for primary HLH or secondary refractory disease (especially EBV-HLH).
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Abstract
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) covers a wide array of related life-threatening conditions featuring ineffective immunity characterized by an uncontrolled hyperinflammatory response. HLH is often triggered by infection. Familial forms result from genetic defects in natural killer cells and cytotoxic T-cells, typically affecting perforin and intracellular vesicles. HLH is likely under-recognized, which contributes to its high morbidity and mortality. Early recognition is crucial for any reasonable attempt at curative therapy to be made. Current treatment regimens include immunosuppression, immune modulation, chemotherapy, and biological response modification, followed by hematopoietic stem-cell transplant (bone marrow transplant). A number of recent studies have contributed to the understanding of HLH pathophysiology, leading to alternate treatment options; however, much work remains to raise awareness and improve the high morbidity and mortality of these complex conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa R George
- Department of Pathology, Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
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