Clinical laboratory Analysis of EB Virus Associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in Children.

Objective: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a common virus that infects a large portion of the world's population, with most people becoming infected during childhood or adolescence. The objective of this article is to analyze the clinical and laboratory examination results of Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (EBV-HLH) in children, summarize its characteristics, identify critically ill children as soon as possible, and provide a basis for diagnosis and treatment. Method: The retrospective analysis in this study involved collecting data from 34 cases of Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (EBV-HLH) admitted to Hebei Children's Hospital from January 2019 to December 2022. The inclusion criteria for the cases studied likely included confirmed diagnosis of EBV-HLH based on clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, and possibly viral testing results. Key parameters analyzed in the study may have included clinical manifestations, laboratory test results (e.g., levels of lactate dehydrogenase, sCD25, IL-10, calcium ions, glutathione aminotransferase, ferritin, alanine aminotransferase, D-dimer), survival rates, and other relevant indicators. Additionally, the cases were likely divided into high-risk groups (with multiple organ dysfunction or requiring ventilator-assisted ventilation) and non-risk groups for comparative analysis. Results: The results showed that 34 cases (100%) of EBV-HLH had elevated levels of lactate dehydrogenase, sCD25, IL-10, and decreased levels of calcium ions. 97.1% of the children had a fever and elevated levels of glutathione aminotransferase and ferritin, with an 8-week survival rate of 91.2%. The levels of alanine aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, ferritin, D-dimer, and sCD25 in critically ill children were significantly higher than those in the non-critically ill group, with statistical significance (P < .05). The decreased levels of calcium ions in EBV-HLH patients suggest potential tissue damage and disruption of calcium homeostasis, contributing to the systemic manifestations of the disease. Compared with non-critical recombinant albumin, the decrease in critical recombinant albumin was statistically significant (P < .05). Conclusion: Significant changes in laboratory results can contribute to the early diagnosis and targeted treatment of EBV-HLH, especially for critically ill children. We should pay timely attention to laboratory examinations, diagnosis and treatment, and avoid or reduce the occurrence of adverse consequences. Based on the results of the study on Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (EBV-HLH) in children, specific strategies and criteria can be proposed to aid in the early identification of critically ill children with this condition in clinical practice: Clinical Screening, Risk Stratification, Early Intervention, Multidisciplinary Management and Educational Measures.

Aggressive NK-cell Leukemia: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Objective: To improve the understanding of aggressive NK-cell leukemia (ANKL) and summarize the progress of its diagnosis and treatment. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed a case of a patient who was initially diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma (non-specific type) and later transformed into ANKL through examinations such as bone marrow smear, flow cytometry, Q-mNGS, and pathology. We described the patient's diagnostic and treatment journey and conducted a literature review. Results: The patient presented with concomitant hemophagocytic syndrome upon admission. After treatment with the HLH-94 regimen, the patient developed tumor lysis syndrome, leading to a sudden onset of ventricular tachycardia and respiratory and cardiac arrest on the third day of admission. Despite aggressive resuscitation efforts, the patient did not survive. Conclusions: ANKL is rare in the world, and the disease is aggressive, so it is necessary to diagnose early and intervene timely. Bone marrow smear, flow cytometer and Q-mNGS are helpful to identify tumors quickly and determine the direction of diagnosis and treatment. This disease is often accompanied by hemophagocytic syndrome. When the pathogenesis is not clear, it is recommended to treat it with hormone and gamma globulin first, and after clarification, chemotherapy containing L-asparaginase may be added; pay attention to supportive treatment and vigilance against oncolysis. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) can be performed as soon as possible, and the application of targeted drugs may further improve the curative effect. In a word, ANKL needs more data statistics and analysis to guide clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Biological therapies for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: current knowledge and future perspectives.

INTRODUCTION: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a hyperinflammatory syndrome with a dismal prognosis. The underlying causes of HLH are diverse. However, the overabundance of cytokines was shared by all forms of HLH. Cytokine-targeted biotherapies have been increasingly used in HLH treatment. AREAS COVERED: In this review, we aim to provide an overview of biological treatment options for HLH. EXPERT OPINION: Biological therapies offer alternative treatment options for patients with refractory/relapsed HLH or who are intolerant to conventional chemotherapies. As a complement to traditional treatment, biological agents improve response rates, maintain more protracted periods of remission, and reduce treatment related toxicity. A combination of biological agents may be a promising direction for HLH treatment. However, they may induce HLH to deteriorate and even trigger HLH.

Anakinra versus etoposide-based therapy added to high-dose steroids for the treatment of secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

OBJECTIVE: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare life-threatening, hyperinflammatory syndrome usually treated with high-dose steroids (HDS), often complemented with adjunct therapies, such as etoposide (HLH-94 protocol). Anakinra has been reported to effectively treat HLH; however, has not been comparatively examined with etoposide-based therapies. We sought to evaluate the effectiveness and durability of these treatment approaches. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all adult patients diagnosed with secondary HLH between January 2011 and November 2022 who received anakinra and HDS, the HLH-94 protocol, HDS alone, or supportive care. RESULTS: Thirty adult patients with secondary HLH were included. Cumulative incidence (CI) of response at 30 days was 83.3%, 60%, and 36.4% for patients treated with anakinra, the HLH-94 protocol, and HDS alone, respectively. CI of relapse at 1 year was 50%, 33.3%, and 0% with the HLH-94 protocol, HDS, and anakinra and HDS, respectively. Overall survival at 1 year was higher with anakinra and HDS compared to the HLH-94 protocol, yet was not statistically significant (77.8% vs. 33.3%; hazard ratio: 0.29; p = .25). CONCLUSION: Treatment with anakinra and HDS in adults with secondary HLH was associated with higher response rates with longer survival compared with alternative therapies and should be further investigated in this setting.

Severe hypocalcaemia episodes in a patient of primary hypoparathyroidism precipitated by underlying stress due to haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis.

A man in his 20s who had previously experienced multiple episodes of transient loss of consciousness, majorly attributable to the seizures, presented with a 1-month history of increased seizure frequency, high-grade fever and weight loss. Clinically, he had postural instability, bradykinesia and symmetrical cogwheel rigidity. His investigations revealed hypocalcaemia, hyperphosphataemia, inappropriately normal intact parathyroid hormone, metabolic alkalosis, normomagnesemic magnesium depletion, and increased plasma renin activity and serum aldosterone concentration. CT scan of the brain revealed symmetrical calcification of the basal ganglia. The patient had primary hypoparathyroidism (HP). A similar presentation of his brother indicated a genetic cause, most likely autosomal dominant hypocalcaemia with Bartter's syndrome type 5. The patient's fever was caused by underlying haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis, which triggered acute episodes of hypocalcaemia. This case represents a complex interplay of a multifaceted relationship between primary HP, vitamin D deficiency and an acute stressor.

A prediction model for acute kidney injury in adult patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

Background and aims: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a clinical syndrome resulting from abnormally active immune cells and a cytokine storm, with the accompanying phagocytosis of blood cells. Patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis often suffer acute kidney injury during hospitalization, which usually signifies poor prognosis. We would like to establish a prediction model for the occurrence of acute kidney injury in adult patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis for risk stratification. Method: We extracted the electronic medical records of patients diagnosed with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis during hospitalization from January 2009 to July 2019. The observation indicator is the occurrence of acute kidney injury within 28 days of hospitalization. LASSO regression was used to screen variables and modeling was performed by COX regression. Results: In the present study, 136 (22.7%) patients suffered from acute kidney injury within 28 days of hospitalization. The prediction model consisted of 11 variables, including vasopressor, mechanical ventilation, disseminated intravascular coagulation, admission heart rate, hemoglobin, baseline cystatin C, phosphorus, total bilirubin, lactic dehydrogenase, prothrombin time, and procalcitonin. The risk of acute kidney injury can be assessed by the sum of the scores of each parameter on the nomogram. For the development and validation groups, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.760 and 0.820, and the C-index was 0.743 and 0.810, respectively. Conclusion: We performed a risk prediction model for the development of acute kidney injury in patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, which may help physicians to evaluate the risk of acute kidney injury and prevent its occurrence.

Clinical and molecular characteristics of Streptococcus pneumoniae-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in children / 中华儿科杂志

Objective: To summarize the clinical features of Streptococcus pneumoniae-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (SP-HLH), and the serotypes and drug-resistant characteristics of the isolated strains. Methods: There were 15 children with SP-HLH admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2013 to December 2020 were included in this study. Clinical data including children's general characteristics, clinical features, laboratory examinations, treatments, prognosis and the outcomes of follow-up by May 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The serotypes and drug resistance of the isolated strains were identified. All children were divided into the clinical improvement group and the death group. Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's exact test were used to compare the data of the two groups. Results: Among the 15 children with SP-HLH, 8 were males and 7 were females. The age of these children was 1.0 (1.0, 2.5) years. Regarding the primary infection, there were 9 cases of severe pneumonia, 3 cases of meningitis and 3 cases of blood stream infection. None of these children had received pneumoniae conjugate vaccine (PCV) and all of them were admitted to the PICU. Respiratory failure was observed in 10 patients, acute renal injury in 5, and hemolytic uremic syndrome in 3 patients. All children received glucocorticoids and high-dose intravenous immunogloblin (IVIG) in addition to anti-infective treatment. Eight of the children were cured while the other 7 died. The neutrophil count in the death group was lower than that in the clinical improvement group ((5.0 (1.7, 9.3) × 109 vs. 5.2 (3.4, 10.5) ×109/L, Z =-2.43, P<0.015), and the length of hospital stay and days of PICU stay in the death group were both shorter than those in the improvement group statistically (3 (1, 11) vs. 39 (34, 48) d, 2 (1, 4) vs. 19 (12, 31) d, Z=-3.25, -3.24, both P=0.001). Ten serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae were identified, including 4 strains of 19F, 3 of 19A, 1 of 23F, 1 of 15A and 1 of 14, among which 9 strains (9/10) were covered by PCV13. All strains were resistant to erythromycin yet sensitive to vancomycin and linezolid. Conclusions: SP-HLH is more common in children under the age of 3, with a high mortality rate. The death cases have lower neutrophil count and rapid disease progression. The comprehensive treatment is anti-infective combined with glucocorticoids and high-dose IVIG. The predominant serotypes are 19F and 19A and all isolated strains were susceptible to vancomycin and linezolid.

Síndrome hemofagocítico secundario a infección por virus del dengue / Hemophagocytic syndrome secondary to dengue virus infection

Introducción: El síndrome hemofagocítico se presenta como un cuadro clínico grave, provocado por una respuesta inadecuada del sistema inmunológico a un desencadenante infeccioso, neoplásico, reumatológico o metabólico, que origina una reacción inflamatoria no controlada; presenta una incidencia baja pero la letalidad sin el manejo adecuado es muy elevada. Objetivo: Destacar la importancia de diagnóstico oportuno del síndrome hemofagocítico en pacientes con dengue que presentan evolución tórpida. Presentación del caso: Paciente de 7 años de edad, con dengue grave dado por shock, hepatomegalia con elevación de transaminasas, con mala evolución clínica, quien cumple criterios de Síndrome hemofagocítico. Recibió manejo con inmunomoduladores con evolución satisfactoria. Conclusiones: Es importante considerar el Síndrome hemofagocítico como causa ante enfermedades con evolución tórpida a pesar de tener un manejo médico correcto(AU)

Introduction: Hemophagocytic syndrome is a severe clinical picture with an uncontrolled inflammatory reaction caused by an inadequate immune system response to an infectious, neoplastic, rheumatological, or metabolic trigger. The syndrome has low incidence but high fatality when the management is not adequate. Objective: To highlight the importance of a prompt diagnosis of hemophagocytic syndrome in patients with dengue who present a torpid evolution. Case presentation: Seven-year-old patient with severe dengue caused by shock, hepatomegaly with elevated transaminase levels and poor clinical evolution who meets hemophagocytic syndrome criteria. The patient had satisfactory progression after receiving immunomodulatory treatment. Conclusions: Hemophagocytic syndrome must be considered as a cause of pathologies in dengue patients with torpid evolution, even when correct medical management is made(AU)

IFN-γ signature in the plasma proteome distinguishes pediatric hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis from sepsis and SIRS.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a syndrome characterized by pathologic immune activation in which prompt recognition and initiation of immune suppression is essential for survival. Children with HLH have many overlapping clinical features with critically ill children with sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in whom alternative therapies are indicated. To determine whether plasma biomarkers could differentiate HLH from other inflammatory conditions and to better define a core inflammatory signature of HLH, concentrations of inflammatory plasma proteins were compared in 40 patients with HLH to 47 pediatric patients with severe sepsis or SIRS. Fifteen of 135 analytes were significantly different in HLH plasma compared with SIRS/sepsis, including increased interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-regulated chemokines CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11. Furthermore, a 2-analyte plasma protein classifier including CXCL9 and interleukin-6 was able to differentiate HLH from SIRS/sepsis. Gene expression in CD8+ T cells and activated monocytes from blood were also enriched for IFN-γ pathway signatures in peripheral blood cells from patients with HLH compared with SIRS/sepsis. This study identifies differential expression of inflammatory proteins as a diagnostic strategy to identify critically ill children with HLH, and comprehensive unbiased analysis of inflammatory plasma proteins and global gene expression demonstrates that IFN-γ signaling is uniquely elevated in HLH. In addition to demonstrating the ability of diagnostic criteria for HLH and sepsis or SIRS to identify groups with distinct inflammatory patterns, results from this study support the potential for prospective evaluation of inflammatory biomarkers to aid in diagnosis of and optimizing therapeutic strategies for children with distinctive hyperinflammatory syndromes.

Successful treatment of severe refractory autoimmune hemolytic anemia after hematopoietic stem cell transplant with abatacept.

BACKGROUND: After hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a known and fairly common complication. It is often refractory to conventional therapies including corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, splenectomy, and the more recently described use of monoclonal antibodies. The high morbidity associated with these severe persistent cases elucidates the gaps in alternative therapies available for treatment. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We described the successful use of abatacept for severe refractory AIHA after HSCT in three patients. RESULTS: Three pediatric patients with refractory AIHA after allogeneic stem cell transplantation were observed to be unresponsive to multitude immunosuppressive therapies, resulting in persistent transfusion dependency. Treatment with abatacept, a fusion protein that inhibits T-cell activation by binding to CD80/CD86 on antigen-presenting cells (APCs), thus blocking the required CD28 interaction between APCs and T cells, resulted in the resolution of hemolysis. CONCLUSION: Abatacept may provide significant clinical benefit in the management of AIHA after HSCT.

Effect of Cytokines and Hyperthermia on Phagocytosis and Phosphatidylserine Externalization: Implication for the Pathophysiology of Hemophagocytic Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: An aberrant production of inflammatory cytokines, with resultant febrile response, is a cardinal finding of hemophagocytic syndrome. A role of inflammatory cytokines on phagocytosis and clearance of apoptotic cells or particles has been shown, but effects of cytokines or hyperthermia on phagocytosis of viable blood cells were not fully understood. We examined effects of cytokines and hyperthermia on phagocytosis, and externalization of phosphatidylserine on the surface of phagocytosed blood cells, to clarify the pathophysiology of hemophagocytic syndrome. METHODS: THP-1 macrophage cells were incubated with non-opsonized and opsonized sheep erythrocytes (SE) in the presence of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 or IL-18, and phagocytic activity was analyzed. Co-operative effect between cytokines was also examined. In addition, SE were incubated at 37 or 39°C, and phagocytic activity was analyzed. After treatment of SE with cytokine or hyperthermia, phosphatidylserine expression of the cell surface was analyzed by detecting Annexin V-positive cells. RESULTS: IL-6, IL-10 and IL-18 significantly increased phagocytosis of non-opsonized SE, but IFN-γ suppressed it. Phagocytosis of opsonized SE was significantly increased by any of the cytokines. IFN-γ suppressed and IL-10 enhanced phagocytic activity induced by other cytokines in non-opsonized SE, while in opsonized SE, both cytokines co-operated with other cytokines to enhance phagocytosis. Incubation of SE at a high temperature (39°C) resulted in increased phagocytic activity, as compared to SE incubated at 37°C. Cytokines and a high temperature did not increase the number of Annexin V-positive SE. CONCLUSIONS: IL-6, IL-10 and IL-18 can augment phagocytosis of viable blood cells, whether cells are opsonized or not. Hyperthermia also enhances phagocytosis. These in vitro data suggest that therapy for targeting cytokine (IL-6, IL-10 or IL-18) by using biologics or small molecule drugs may be beneficial for the treatment of hemophagocytic syndrome. Unlike the case of apoptotic cells, phagocytosis of viable blood cells seems to be mediated via phosphatidylserine-independent manner.

Interleukin-18 diagnostically distinguishes and pathogenically promotes human and murine macrophage activation syndrome.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) are life-threatening hyperferritinemic systemic inflammatory disorders. Although profound cytotoxic impairment causes familial HLH (fHLH), the mechanisms driving non-fHLH and MAS are largely unknown. MAS occurs in patients with suspected rheumatic disease, but the mechanistic basis for its distinction is unclear. Recently, a syndrome of recurrent MAS with infantile enterocolitis caused by NLRC4 inflammasome hyperactivity highlighted the potential importance of interleukin-18 (IL-18). We tested this association in hyperferritinemic and autoinflammatory patients and found a dramatic correlation of MAS risk with chronic (sometimes lifelong) elevation of mature IL-18, particularly with IL-18 unbound by IL-18 binding protein, or free IL-18. In a mouse engineered to carry a disease-causing germ line NLRC4T337S mutation, we observed inflammasome-dependent, chronic IL-18 elevation. Surprisingly, this NLRC4T337S-induced systemic IL-18 elevation derived entirely from intestinal epithelia. NLRC4T337S intestines were histologically normal but showed increased epithelial turnover and upregulation of interferon-γ-induced genes. Assessing cellular and tissue expression, classical inflammasome components such as Il1b, Nlrp3, and Mefv predominated in neutrophils, whereas Nlrc4 and Il18 were distinctly epithelial. Demonstrating the importance of free IL-18, Il18 transgenic mice exhibited free IL-18 elevation and more severe experimental MAS. NLRC4T337S mice, whose free IL-18 levels were normal, did not. Thus, we describe a unique connection between MAS risk and chronic IL-18, identify epithelial inflammasome hyperactivity as a potential source, and demonstrate the pathogenicity of free IL-18. These data suggest an IL-18-driven pathway, complementary to the cytotoxic impairment of fHLH, with potential as a distinguishing biomarker and therapeutic target in MAS.

Hemophagocytic Syndrome Complicated with Dermatomyositis Controlled Successfully with Infliximab and Conventional Therapies.

A 57-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of a high fever, anemia, and hyperferritinemia. Since a bone marrow examination revealed hemophagocytosis, she was diagnosed with hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS). During treatment of HPS, a heliotrope rash and Gottron's sign appeared with elevated levels of serum aldolase. She also developed heart failure. She was diagnosed with dermatomyositis (DM) and associated myocarditis. Although the administration of glucocorticoids, calcineurin inhibitors, intravenous immunoglobulins, and etoposide ameliorated the clinical findings of DM and cytopenia, the fever and hyperferritinemia remained. The addition of infliximab to glucocorticoids and tacrolimus improved the fever and hyperferritinemia and enabled a reduction in the dose of prednisolone without relapse of the diseases.

Manipulating DNA damage-response signaling for the treatment of immune-mediated diseases.

Antigen-activated lymphocytes undergo extraordinarily rapid cell division in the course of immune responses. We hypothesized that this unique aspect of lymphocyte biology leads to unusual genomic stress in recently antigen-activated lymphocytes and that targeted manipulation of DNA damage-response (DDR) signaling pathways would allow for selective therapeutic targeting of pathological T cells in disease contexts. Consistent with these hypotheses, we found that activated mouse and human T cells display a pronounced DDR in vitro and in vivo. Upon screening a variety of small-molecule compounds, we found that potentiation of p53 (via inhibition of MDM2) or impairment of cell cycle checkpoints (via inhibition of CHK1/2 or WEE1) led to the selective elimination of activated, pathological T cells in vivo. The combination of these strategies [which we termed "p53 potentiation with checkpoint abrogation" (PPCA)] displayed therapeutic benefits in preclinical disease models of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and multiple sclerosis, which are driven by foreign antigens or self-antigens, respectively. PPCA therapy targeted pathological T cells but did not compromise naive, regulatory, or quiescent memory T-cell pools, and had a modest nonimmune toxicity profile. Thus, PPCA is a therapeutic modality for selective, antigen-specific immune modulation with significant translational potential for diverse immune-mediated diseases.

Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease Mimicking Psoriasis in a Patient with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a common complication of bone marrow transplantation (BMT) that can be classified as acute or chronic. Chronic GVHD, which usually occurs more than 3 months after BMT, includes typical lichenoid or sclerodermatous lesions. Psoriasiform eruption is a rare clinical manifestation of chronic GVHD, and there have been no reports of psoriasiform chronic GVHD associated with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. A 33-year-old woman who was diagnosed with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis 10 years ago visited our outpatient clinic with psoriasiform eruption over her entire body. She underwent allogeneic BMT 7 months previously from her sibling. Skin biopsy was performed on the lesion, and the histological features suggested GVHD. The psoriasiform lesions improved with narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy, with secondary vitiligo remaining on the corresponding locations.

Epstein-Barr Virus Associated Hemophagocytic Syndrome after Scrub Typhus Infection / 감염과화학요법

There have been a small number of cases of scrub typhus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS), most of which were treated successfully using adequate antibiotics. Here, we report a case of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated HPS after scrub typhus infection that was not improved using antirickettsial treatment. A 73-year-old male who had been diagnosed with scrub typhus according to an eschar and a positive serology was transferred to our institution because of a persistent fever despite 7-day doxycycline therapy. Physical and laboratory data showed hepatosplenomegaly, bicytopenia, hyperferritinemia, and hypofibrinogenemia. A bone marrow examination (BM) revealed hypercellular marrow with hemophagocytosis and histiocyte infiltration. EBV was detected in BM aspirates using polymerase chain reaction. After a diagnosis of HPS was made, the patient was treated successfully using high-dose steroids.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in total parenteral nutrition dependent children: description of 5 cases and practical tips for management.

Although total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is mandatory in children with intestinal failure, this treatment is not risk free. The main complications of TPN include catheter-related sepsis, thrombosis, hepatic cholestasis and cirrhosis, metabolic bone disease, and, rarely, reactive hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). The pathogenesis of HLH in patients with TPN is not known, although some authors hypothesized that it can result from the activation of macrophages because of "fat overload." We reported 5 cases of HLH that occurred in patients with 4 different underlying disorders, all requiring TPN for a long term. In our series, an underlying immunological defect or a serious infection (sepsis) can have triggered HLH. Therefore, it could be reasonable to hypothesize that besides TPN in itself, minor immune defects and infections may act together by overcoming a threshold of immune stimulation, which ultimately leads to HLH.

Hemophagocytic syndrome: an unusual and underestimated complication of cytoreduction surgery with heated intraperitoneal oxaliplatin.

BACKGROUND: Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) improves the survival of select patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. Hemophagocytic syndrome (HS) is a rare and potentially fatal disease. We describe our experience with five patients who developed HS following oxaliplatin HIPEC and propose a management procedure. METHODS: Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy was performed using the open-abdomen technique (43 °C) with oxaliplatin (460 mg/m (2) ) for 30 min. If thrombocytopenia occurred from days 5 to 14, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia was evaluated. For thrombocytopenia with unknown etiology, we performed a bone marrow analysis (BMA). A BMA indicating HS stimulated an extensive infectious disease workup. Herein, we describe "reactive septic HS" and HS of unknown origin. RESULTS: We documented five patients with HS as a result of severe thrombocytopenia. Underlying infections were present in two patients who were treated with antibiotics and survived. For the remaining three patients, we found no underlying etiology of HS; multidisciplinary staff adapted the clinical management daily. Two patients died on postoperative days 40 and 29. The third patient survived after several operations and treatment with the VAC abdominal dressing system. CONCLUSIONS: We present these cases to ensure that physicians are aware of the symptoms of HS after HIPEC, which are important for initiating immediate life-saving therapy. This condition is a diagnostic and therapeutic emergency. When HS complicates HIPEC, aggressive, early medical, and surgical management is required. However, the optimal management has not been defined.

Lysinuric protein intolerance (LPI): a multi organ disease by far more complex than a classic urea cycle disorder.

Lysinuric protein intolerance (LPI) is an inherited defect of cationic amino acid (lysine, arginine and ornithine) transport at the basolateral membrane of intestinal and renal tubular cells caused by mutations in SLC7A7 encoding the y(+)LAT1 protein. LPI has long been considered a relatively benign urea cycle disease, when appropriately treated with low-protein diet and l-citrulline supplementation. However, the severe clinical course of this disorder suggests that LPI should be regarded as a severe multisystem disease with uncertain outcome. Specifically, immune dysfunction potentially attributable to nitric oxide (NO) overproduction secondary to arginine intracellular trapping (due to defective efflux from the cell) might be a crucial pathophysiological route explaining many of LPI complications. The latter comprise severe lung disease with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, renal disease, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis with subsequent activation of macrophages, various auto-immune disorders and an incompletely characterized immune deficiency. These results have several therapeutic implications, among which lowering the l-citrulline dosage may be crucial, as excessive citrulline may worsen intracellular arginine accumulation.

[An analysis of etiological and genetic factors of a patient with familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the etiological factor and genetic feature of a familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis patient with PRF1 mutation (FHL2) with human herpesvirus 7 (HHV7) infection and its family constellation. METHODS: Clinical characteristics, laboratory examinations of a FHL2 case with HHV7 infection were reported. HHV1-HHV8 virus DNA was screened by PCR; NK cell function was analyzed by flow cytometry; PRF1 gene mutations were analyzed by PCR and direct sequencing, structure of mutant PRF1 proteins were analyzed using ExPasy and I-TASSER server and genetics pedigree were analyzed. RESULTS: The patient's HHV7 viral was detected positive with DNA copy number of 350/10(6) peripheral nucleated cells. Flow cytometry analysis showed decrease both in proportion of perforin positive NK cells and perforin protein expression. Genetic testing showed PRF1 biallelic heterozygote mutations (c.503G > A/p.S168N and c.1177T > C/p.C393R) and pedigree analysis showed they were inherited. The patient was then treated with antivirus therapy, dexamethasone and VP16 therapy, but only achieved partial response. The patient was then followed by human leukocyte antigen 10/10 allele identical non-consanguinity allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (allo-HSCT) and soon the successful implantation of donor hematopoietic cells and persistent recovery was achieved. The patient was now surviving without recurrence for 9 months after allo-HSCT. CONCLUSIONS: FHL is prone to be misdiagnosed as lymphoma. Genetic analysis of related gene mutation and herpes simplex virus detection will help in early and accurate diagnosis. Allo-HSCT is a fundamental treatment of FHL.