Emphysematous pyelonephritis in patient with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: A case report

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) are rare, fatal illnesses. The presence of both at once in a patient is extremely rare. The number of reported cases of EPN is <800 cases worldwide to date. Contrarily, the prevalence of adults with HLH is estimated to be 1 in every 2000 adults admitted to a tertiary health center. This case report aims to present the case of a 45-year-old woman who was diagnosed with EPN with a history of HLH and was successfully treated with medication alone. In conclusion, the clinical manifestations of EPN are non-specific and need imaging modalities like computed tomography (CT) scans. Treating EPN is based on CT scan classification. Medical treatment was an option for these patients. There is no direct association between EPN and HLH; it is a challenging decision to treat patients with both.

Hemofagocitose em cultura de sangue periférico precedendo hemofagocitose em biópsia de medula óssea na síndrome hemofagocítica secundária / Hemophagocytosis in peripheral blood culture preceding hemophagocytosis in bone marrow biopsy in secondary hemophagocytic syndrome

A síndrome hemofagocítica é determinada por desregulação do sistema imunológico, caracterizada por ativação excessiva de macrófagos, resultando em fagocitose de células sanguíneas normais no fígado, baço e medula óssea. Pode ser primária (genética) ou secundária (adquirida). Em adultos quase sempre é secundária, tendo infecções, neoplasias e doenças autoimunes como frequentes desencadeadores. Entre as principais manifestações da síndrome estão febre prolongada e hepatoesplenomegalia. O diagnóstico até o momento é confirmado pelo achado de hemofagocitose em biópsia de medula óssea. Entretanto, é descrito que a biópsia de medula óssea é normal nos primeiros dias de manifestações da síndrome. O presente relato tem como objetivo mostrar a observação de hemofagocitose em cultura de células de sangue periférico de paciente de 29 anos precedendo a hemofagocitose em biópsia de medula óssea. A paciente apresentava diferentes infecções, com grave comprometimento do estado geral e sem melhora com o tratamento das infecções. O achado laboratorial permitiu o tratamento precoce da síndrome hemofagocítica e a melhora da paciente. No presente relato a técnica utilizada está descrita detalhadamente para que possa ser reproduzida, além de ser apresentada uma revisão não sistemática da literatura sobre a síndrome.

Hemophagocytic syndrome, which is caused by dysregulation of the immune system, is characterized by excessive macrophage activation, resulting in phagocytosis of normal blood cells in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. It can be primary (genetic) or secondary (acquired). In adults, it is almost always secondary, with infections, neoplasms, and autoimmune diseases as frequent triggers. The main manifestations of this syndrome are prolonged fever and hepatosplenomegaly. Currently, diagnosis is confirmed through finding hemophagocytosis in a bone marrow biopsy. However, it has been reported that bone marrow biopsy results are still normal on the first day the syndrome manifests. Here we report observing hemophagocytosis in cultured peripheral blood cells from a 29-year-old patient prior to finding hemophagocytosis in bone marrow biopsy. The patient had various infections and a poor general condition, which did not improve after treating the infections. The laboratory findings allowed early treatment of hemophagocytic syndrome and the patient improved. We describe our technique in detail so it can be reproduced, and we provide a non-systematic review of the literature on the syndrome.

Polymorphism in cytolytic pathway genes in patients with pediatric inflammatory multisystemic syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 / Polimorfismos em genes da via citolítica em pacientes com síndrome inflamatória multissistêmica pediátrica temporariamente associada ao SARS-CoV-2

Introduction: Pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS) is a systemic hyperinflammatory disease that occurs in a small number of children after being infected with SARS-CoV-2. Macrophage activation syndrome, an aggressive condition characterized by the excessive inflammation and activation of well-differentiated macrophages, has been shown to occur in patients infected by SARS-CoV-2. Considering the clinical and pathophysiological similarities between these diseases, our main objective was to determine whether gene polymorphisms associated with macrophage activation syndrome were also present in patients with PIMS-TS. Methods: DNA from 10 pediatric patients with PIMS-TS (case group) and ten COVID-19 patients without PIMS-TS (control group) were genotyped by Real-time PCR analysis (TaqMan®) for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in four genes associated with macrophage activation syndrome: perforin 1 (PRF1), granzyme B (GZMB), syntaxin 11 (STX11), and syntaxin binding protein 2 (STXBP2). The SNP analysis was performed using the additive, dominant, and recessive models. Results: A significantly higher frequency of an SNP (C wild allele in rs6573910) in the GZMB gene was observed in both the additive and dominant models in the PIMS-TS group than controls. A borderline significant difference was also observed for the G allele in rs7764017 of the STX11 gene in the PIMS-TS group in the additive model. Conclusions: This study indicated the presence of two polymorphisms in genes associated with macrophage activation syndrome (GZMB and STX11) in patients who developed PIMS-TS. If the presence of these SNPs is validated in a larger number of PIMS-TS cases, they can be used as potential biomarkers for early identification of pediatric patients with a higher probability of developing PIMS-TS associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Introdução: A síndrome multissistêmica inflamatória pediátrica temporariamente associada ao SARS-CoV-2 (SIMP-TS) é uma doença hiperinflamatória sistêmica que ocorre em um pequeno número de crianças após serem infectadas pelo SARS-CoV-2. A síndrome de ativação de macrófagos (SAM), uma condição agressiva caracterizada pela inflamação excessiva e ativação de macrófagos bem diferenciados, demonstrou ocorrer em pacientes infectados por SARS-CoV-2. Considerando as semelhanças clínicas e fisiopatológicas entre essas doenças, neste estudo o nosso principal objetivo foi determinar se polimorfismos gênicos associados à SAM também estavam presentes em pacientes com SIMP-TS. Métodos: DNA de dez pacientes pediátricos com SIMP (grupo caso) e dez pacientes COVID-19 sem SIMP (grupo controle) foram genotipados por análise de PCR em tempo real (tecnologia TaqMan®) para polimorfismos de nucleotídeo único (SNPs) em quatro genes selecionados associados com SAM: perforina 1 (PRF1), granzima B (GZMB), sintaxina 11 (STX11) e proteína de ligação de sintaxina 2 (STXBP2). A análise dos SNPs foi realizada utilizando o modelo aditivo, dominante e recessivo. Resultados: Uma frequência significativamente maior de um SNP (alelo selvagem C em rs6573910) no gene GZMB foi observada pelos modelos aditivo e dominante no grupo SIMP quando comparado aos controles. Além disso, uma significância limítrofe foi observada para o alelo G em rs7764017 do gene STX11 no grupo SIMP pelo modelo aditivo. Conclusões: Nosso estudo indicou a presença de dois polimorfismos em genes associados à SAM (GZMB e STX11) em pacientes que desenvolveram SIMP-TS. Uma vez validada a presença desses SNPs em um número maior de casos de SIMP-TS, eles podem ser usados como potenciais biomarcadores para a identificação precoce de pacientes pediátricos com maior probabilidade de desenvolver SIMP-TS associado à infecção por SARS-CoV-2.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: a case series analysis in a pediatric hospital

Abstract Introduction Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare clinical laboratory condition with high mortality rates, resulting from ineffective overactivation of the immune system. Data in the Brazilian literature is scarce, contributing to the challenge in standardizing conducts and performing an early diagnosis of HLH. Objective To describe the clinical, laboratory, and evolutionary findings on HLH patients treated at a pediatric hospital. Methods This is an observational, cross-sectional and retrospective study on children diagnosed with HLH, hospitalized between 2009 and 2019. The diagnostic criteria were those described in the Histiocyte Society protocol. The authors evaluated HLH patient laboratory tests, myelograms and bone marrow biopsies, clinical characteristics and therapy. Results Twenty-three patients were included, 52.2% of whom were males. The age at diagnosis ranged from one to one hundred and eighty months. Four cases were classified as Primary HLH and nineteen, as Secondary HLH. The main triggers were infections and rheumatological diseases. All children had bicytopenia, and 95.4% had hyperferritinemia. Nineteen patients had liver dysfunction, sixteen had neurological disorders and fourteen had kidney injury. Pulmonary involvement was seen in 61.9%, acting as a worse prognosis for death (p= 0.01). Nine patients underwent the immuno-chemotherapy protocol proposed in the HLH 2004. The time to confirm the diagnosis varied from five to eighty days. The lethality found was 56.3%. Conclusions The present study is the most extensive retrospective exclusively pediatric study published in Brazil to date. Despite the limitations, it was possible to demonstrate the importance of discussing HLH as a pediatric emergency.

An elevated HScore is associated with poor clinical outcomes in COVID-19 / Un HScore elevado se asocia a mal pronóstico en pacientes con COVID-19

BACKGROUND: Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) frequently experience a hyperinflammatory syndrome leading to unfavorable outcomes. This condition resembles Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) described in neoplastic, rheumatic and other infectious diseases. A scoring system (HScore) that evaluates underlying immunosuppression, temperature, organomegaly, cytopenias, ferritin, triglycerides, fibrinogen and AST was validated for sHLH, and recently proposed to evaluate hyperinflammation in COVID-19. AIM: To assess the presence of sHLH among patients with COVID-19 admitted for hospitalization and to evaluate Hscore as a prognostic tool for poor outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred forty-three patients aged 21-100 years (64% males) admitted because of COVID-19 were enrolled in a prospective study. HScore was calculated within 72 hours admission. The incidence of sHLH during hospitalization was evaluated. Additionally, the relationship between a HScore ≥ 130 points and either the requirement of mechanical ventilation or 60-days mortality was explored. RESULTS: The median HScore was 96 (33-169). A SHLH was diagnosed in one patient (incidence 0.7%), whose HScore was 169. After adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities and obesity, HScore ≥ 130 was independently associated with the composite clinical outcome (Hazard rartio 2.13, p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: sHLH is not frequent among COVID-19 patients. HScore can be useful to predict the risk for poor outcomes.

ANTECEDENTES: Los pacientes con Enfermedad por Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), experimentan frecuentemente un síndrome hiperinflamatorio que lleva a resultados desfavorables. Esta situación se asemeja al Síndrome Hemofagocítico Secundario (sHLH) descrito en enfermedades neoplásicas, reumatológicas y por otros agentes infecciosos. Un sistema simple de puntaje (HScore) que evalúa inmunosupresión, temperatura organomegalia, citopenias, ferritina, triglicéridos, fibrinógeno y AST ha sido validado para el diagnóstico de sHLH y ha sido propuesto recientemente para evaluar la hiperinflamación en COVID-19. OBJETIVO: Medir la frecuencia de sHLH entre pacientes con COVID-19 hospitalizados, y evaluar a HScore como una herramienta pronóstica. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Ciento cuarenta y tres pacientes de 21 a 100 años (64% hombres) fueron ingresados en este estudio de cohorte prospectivo, unicéntrico. Se calculó HScore dentro de las primeras 72 horas desde el ingreso, y se midió la incidencia de sHLH durante la hospitalización. Adicionalmente, se evaluó la relación entre HScore ≥ 130 puntos y un desenlace compuesto de ventilación mecánica o muerte a los 60 días. RESULTADOS: La mediana de HScore fue 96 (33-169) puntos. Un paciente fue diagnosticado con sHLH (incidencia 0,7%). Luego de ajustar por edad, sexo, comorbilidades y obesidad, un HScore ≥ 130 se asoció de manera independiente con el desenlace compuesto. CONCLUSIONES: El sHLH no es frecuente en los pacientes con COVID-19. El uso de HScore puede ser útil para predecir el riesgo de desenlaces clínicos desfavorables.

Hemophagocytic syndrome in a patient with Fanconi anemia and VACTERL association / Síndrome hemofagocítica em paciente com anemia de Fanconi e associação VACTERL

INTRODUCTION: Hemophagocytic syndrome results from hyperactivity of histiocytes and lymphocytes, triggered by infections, mainly viral by cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr and herpes. Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare genetic disease with heterogeneous symptoms common to other diseases such as VACTERL, a disease of unknown etiology in which there are several congenital malformations. The concomitance of Fanconi and VACTERL anemia occurs in 5 to 30% of FA patients. REPORT: A 14-month-old male infant was admitted to investigate fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and granulopenia. The patient was diagnosed with hemophagocytic syndrome due to hyperferritinemia, bone marrow hemophagocytosis, transaminase elevation, decreased fibrinogen, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection confirmed by serology and PCR. The test with mitomycin C (MMC) showed chromosomal fragility. The patient was diagnosed with a VACTERL/FA association for having a clinic and a test compatible with both FA and VACTERL. CONCLUSION: The VACTERL/FA association is seldom described, but is present in pediatric medical practice. This study presented the main clinical-laboratory aspects and reviewed the main aspects of the concurrence of this pathology.

INTRODUÇÃO: A síndrome hemofagocítica decorre da hiperatividade de histiócitos e linfócitos e é desencadeada por infeções, principalmente virais por citomegalovírus, Epstein-barr e herpes. A anemia de Fanconi (AF) é uma doença genética rara com sintomas heterogêneos em comum a outras doenças como a associação VACTERL, uma doença de etiologia desconhecida na qual existe diversas mal formações congênitas. A concomitância da anemia de Fanconi e VACTERL é descrita em 5 a 30% dos pacientes AF. RELATO: Lactente de 14 meses, sexo masculino, admitido para investigar um quadro de febre, hepatoesplenomegalia e granulopenia. Os exames laboratoriais mostraram a hiperferritemia, elevação da transaminases, medula óssea com hemofagocitose e, sorologia e PCR positivos para citomegalovírus (CMV). O paciente foi diagnosticado com síndrome hemofagocítica por citomegalovírus. Como havia também hipoplasia do polegar esquerdo, presença de hemivértebra, agenesia renal e teste positivo de fragilidades cromossômicas com mitomicina C (MMC), o paciente foi diagnosticado com associação VACTERL/AF. CONCLUSÃO: O citomegalovírus quando infecta pacientes com problemas de imunidade como AF, apresenta risco de desencadear a síndrome hemofagocítica. A associação VACTERL/AF é pouco descrita, mas presente na prática médica da pediatria. Esse estudo descreveu os principais aspectos clínicos-laboratoriais e revisou os aspectos fundamenais descritos sobre a concomitância dessas patologias.

Síndrome hemofagocítico asociado a varicela / Hemofagocytic syndrome associated with varicella

Presentación del caso. Lactante femenina de 14 meses de edad con desarrollo psicomotor normal, sin comórbidos. Con historia de un día de fiebre de 40 °C, intermitente, acompañada de evacuaciones diarreicas y vómitos. Fue llevada por sus padres a una clínica privada sin notar mejoría con el tratamiento médico indicado. Posteriormente, presentó deterioro clínico y fue llevada a un hospital, donde se diagnosticó un síndrome febril agudo, diarrea con deshidratación leve y faringitis. Al cuarto día de evolución inició con máculas y pápulas que progresaron a vesículas y costras. Además, presentó intolerancia a la vía oral, disnea, distensión abdominal, coma y desequilibrio hidroelectrolítico. Intervención terapéutica. Inició el tratamiento con hidratación parenteral, antivirales, esteroides endovenosos y antihistamínicos; se diagnosticó shock séptico con compromiso respiratorio, se proporcionó ventilación mecánica asistida y fue referida al hospital de tercer nivel para atención por medicina crítica. Los estudios reportaron un derrame pleural derecho del 40 % y hepatomegalia. Continuó el tratamiento con antibiótico terapia, hidratación parenteral, antivirales, diuréticos, antipiréticos y hemoderivados, presentó mejoría, continuó el manejo terapéutico. Evolución clínica. El día 18 presentó fiebre, hepatoesplenomegalia, los exámenes reportaron elevación de ferritina, triglicéridos y citopenia se diagnosticó un síndrome hemofagocítico que evolucionó con una falla multisistémica y falleció al siguiente día

Case presentation. A 14-month-old female infant with normal psychomotor development, without comorbidities. With a one-day history of fever of 40 °C, intermittent, accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting. She was taken by her parents to a private clinic without improvement with the indicated medical treatment. Subsequently, she presented clinical deterioration and was taken to a hospital, where she was diagnosed with acute febrile syndrome, diarrhea with mild dehydration, and pharyngitis. On the fourth day of evolution, she started with macules and papules that progressed to vesicles and crusts. In addition, she presented oral intolerance, dyspnea, abdominal distension, coma, and hydro electrolytic imbalance. Therapeutic intervention. She started treatment with parenteral hydration, antivirals, intravenous steroids, and antihistamines; septic shock with respiratory distress was diagnosed, assisted mechanical ventilation was provided, and she was referred to a tertiary hospital for critical care medicine. Studies reported a 40 % right pleural effusion and hepatomegaly. She continued treatment with antibiotic therapy, parenteral hydration, antivirals, diuretics, antipyretics, and hemoderivatives, presented improvement, and continued therapeutic management. Clinical evolution. On day 18 he presented fever and hepatosplenomegaly. Tests reported elevated ferritin, triglycerides, and cytopenia, and was diagnosed with hemophagocytic syndrome that evolved with multisystemic failure and died the following day

Progress of ruxolitinib in the treatment of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis / 国际儿科学杂志

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare immune-mediated disorder characterized by hyperactivation of antigen-presenting cells and T cells, massive secretion of inflammatory cytokines, and impaired function of natural killer cells and CD8 + T cells.Ruxolitinib is a Januse kinase(JAK)inhibitor that reduces cytokine release and retards the inflammatory response by competitive binding to the JAK catalytic site, to achieve the goal of curing HLH.In recent years, ruxolitinib has been gradually applied in the treatment of HLH, and its effectiveness has also been verified.However, studies have also found that there are efficacy differences in the treatment of HLH caused by different etiologies.This article reviews the mechanism of ruxolitinib in the treatment of HLH and the differences in the efficacy of ruxolitinib in the treatment of HLH of different etiologies.

Progress of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis deficiency in hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis / 国际儿科学杂志

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis(HLH)is a systemic hyperinflammation syndrome.XIAP deficiency is an innate immunodeficiency disorder, often combined with HLH, with increased susceptibility to EB virus, mostly in childhood.XIAP deficiency leads to innate immune deficiency, increased apoptosis, and excessive activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, which together lead to impaired clearance of pathogens and excessive release of cytokines, resulting in HLH.The course of HLH in patients with XIAP deficiency is generally mild and the mortality rate is low, but it frequently relapses.In addition to HLH, XIAP deficiency can be combined with some auto-inflammatory disease.Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the only curable method and reduced-intensity conditioning is recommended.Some new targeted therapies, such as IFN-γ monoclonal antibodies, IL-18 and IL-6 antagonists may be effective, but the specific efficacy needs more study.

Analysis of clinical characteristics of early death in adult patients with hemophagocytic syndrome / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics of early death in adult patients with hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS).Methods:The clinical data of 53 adult HPS patients in Xianning Central Hospital, Huangshi Central Hospital and Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology from September 2016 to November 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, and the patients were grouped according to whether they died within 28 d after diagnosis. The clinical characteristics of the two groups were compared. A multivariate analysis of patients' death within 28 d was performed using logistic regression.Results:In 53 adult HPS patients, the mortality rate within 28 d was 28.3% (15/53). The survival time of patients was related to white blood cell count ( r = 0.324, P = 0.018), total bilirubin level ( r = -0.280, P = 0.042) and albumin level ( r = 0.281, P = 0.042), but there was no linear causality (all P > 0.05). When compared between the death within 28 d group and the non-death within 28 d group, the differences in patients' age, platelet count, albumin level, creatine kinase isoenzyme level, triacylglycerol level, ferritin level, and central nervous system involvement were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that platelet count <30×10 9/L, albumin <30 g/L, central nervous system involvement, and ferritin ≥10 000 ng/ml were independent risk factors for patients' death within 28 d (all P < 0.05). Conclusions:In adult HPS patients, assessing the risk of early death based on ferritin level, platelet count, albumin level, and neurological symptoms, actively correcting internal environmental disturbances, and enhancing organ support therapy can contribute to survival benefit.

Hemophagocytic Syndrome Secondary to Human Parvovirus B19 Infection in an Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Patient:Report of One Case / 中国医学科学院学报

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients with compromised immunity are prone to hemophagocytic syndrome secondary to opportunistic infections.This paper reports a rare case of hemophagocytic syndrome secondary to human parvovirus B19 infection in an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patient,and analyzes the clinical characteristics,aiming to improve the diagnosis and treatment of the disease and prevent missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis.

Expression and Clinical Significance of Serum sFas/sFasL in Patients with Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the expression and clinical significance of soluble Fas (sFas) and sFasL in patients with secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH).@*METHODS@#From September 2015 to December 2020, 86 sHLH patients who met the HLH2004 diagnostic criteria were collected. They were divided into 55 cases in the MAHLH group and 31 cases in the NonMAHLH group according to the etiology. Thirty healthy persons were chosen as the normal control group, and 20 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were chosen as the disease control group. The expression levels of sFas and sFasL in the serum of patients with each group were detected by ELISA, and the clinical data were collected for statistical analysis. The significance of sFas and sFasL in sHLH was analyzed by ROC curve.@*RESULTS@#Serum levels of sFas and sFasL in patients with newly diagnosed sHLH were significantly higher than those in disease control group and normal control group (P<0.01). The levels of sFas and sFasL in MAHLH group were significantly higher than those in nonMAHLH (infection related HLH and autoimmune disease related HLH) group (P<0.01). The serum levels of sFas and sFasL in 17 newly treated patients with sHLH (17/86) after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment (P<0.01). The serum sFas level in newly diagnosed sHLH patients was positively correlated with SF(r=0.35), sCD25(r=0.79) and sFasL(r=0.73). The serum sFasL level was positively correlated with SF(r=0.39), sCD25(r=0.64) and sFas(r=0.73). Compared with the NonMAHLH group, the area under the ROC curve was 0.707 (95% CI: 0.593-0.821) (P=0.0015). The optimal critical value for diagnosing MAHLH by sFas level was 12 743 pg/ml, and the sensitivity and specificity were 70.9% and 71% respectively. Compared with the NonMAHLH group, the area under the ROC curve was 0.765(95% CI: 0.659-0.87)(P<0.01). The median OS time of sFas high expression group (≥16798.5 pg/ml) and sFasL high expression group (≥4 785 pg/ml) was significantly shorter than that of the low expression group (P<0.001).@*CONCLUSION@#Serum levels of sFas and sFasL can be used for the early diagnosis and differential diagnosis of sHLH disease, and are the factor related to the poor prognosis of sHLH.

Comparative Analysis of Primary and Reactivated EB Virus Infection Associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical characteristics of children with hemophagocytic lymphocytosis (HLH) associated with primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and EBV reactivation, and explore the effects of different EBV infection status on the clinical indexes and prognosis of HLH.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 51 children with EBV associated HLH treated in Henan Children's Hospital from June 2016 to June 2021 were collected. According to the detection results of plasma EBV antibody spectrum, they were divided into EBV primary infection-associated HLH group (18 cases) and EBV reactivation-associated HLH group (33 cases). The clinical features, laboratory indexes and prognosis of the two groups were analyzed and compared.@*RESULTS@#There were no significant differences in age, gender, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, neutrophil count in peripheral blood, hemoglobin content, platelet count, plasma EBV-DNA load, lactate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, albumin, fibrinogen, triglyceride, ferritin, hemophagocytosis in bone marrow, NK cell activity and sCD25 between the two groups(P>0.05). The central nervous system involvement and CD4/CD8 in EBV reactivation-associated HLH group were significantly higher than those in primary infection-associated HLH group, but the total bilirubin was significantly lower than that in primary infection-associated HLH group (P<0.05). After treatment according to HLH-2004 protocol, the remission rate, 5-year OS rate and 5-year EFS rate of patients in EBV reactivation-associated HLH group were significantly lower than those in EBV primary infection-associated HLH group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#EBV reactivation-associated HLH is more likely to cause central nervous system involvement and the prognosis is worser than EBV primary infection-associated HLH, which requires intensive treatment.

Clinical Anslysis of Primary Adrenal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of one patient with primary adrenal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (PANKTCL), and to strengthen the understanding of this rare type of lymphoma.@*METHODS@#The clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment process, and prognosis of the patient admitted in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed.@*RESULTS@#Combined with pathology, imaging, bone marrow examination， etc, the patient was diagnosed with PANKTCL (CA stage, stage II; PINK-E score 3, high-risk group). Six cycles of "P-GemOx+VP-16" regimen（gemcitabine 1 g/m2 d1 + oxaliplatin 100 mg/m2 d 1 + etoposide 60 mg/m2 d 2-4 + polyethylene glycol conjugated asparaginase 3 750 IU d 5） was performed, and complete response was assessed in 4 cycles. Maintenance therapy with sintilimab was administered after the completion of chemotherapy. Eight months after the complete response, the patient experienced disease recurrence and underwent a total of four courses of chemotherapy, during which hemophagocytic syndrome occurred. The patient died of disease progression 1 month later.@*CONCLUSION@#PANKTCL is rare, relapses easily, and has a worse prognosis. The choice of the "P-GemOx+VP-16" regimen combined with sintilimab help to improve the survival prognosis of patient with non-upper aerodigestive tract natural killer /T-cell lymphoma.

"Typhoidal Cells" Appear in a Woman with Hemophagocytic Syndrome Secondary To Brucellosis: A Case Report / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

We report a case of hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) secondary to brucellosis, in which typhoidal cells were found in bone marrow, suggesting typhoidal cells present not only in Salmonella typhi infections but also in other bacterial infections. Typhoidal cells in bone marrow can be used to quickly identify the presence of bacterial infection pending the results of bone marrow and/or blood cultures.

Research Progress of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Sell Trans-plantation in the Treatment of Adult Hemophagocytic Lympho-histiocytosis --Review / 中国实验血液学杂志

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening hyperinflammatory clinical syndrome of uncontrolled immune response which results in hypercytokinemia due to underlying primary or secondary immune defect. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) remains the only cure therapy for primary HLH and recurrent/refractory hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Compared with children HLH, adult HLH is a much more heterogeneous syndrome requiring a more individualized protocol depending on the underlying trigger, disease severity and genetic background. At present, there remain controversies in various aspects including indications of haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), conditioning regimen, efficacy and prognosis. This article will review the recent advances of allo-HSCT in the treatment of adult HLH based on the above issues.

Expression Profile and Clinical Significance of Cytokines and Chemokines in Patients with Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the cytokine/chemokine profile in patients with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), and assess the prognostic value of survival.@*METHODS@#Serum levels of thirty-eight cytokines/chemokines were measured by multiple cytokine assay kit in EBV-related HLH patients, EBV-infected patients, and controls. The expression profile of cytokines/chemokines was compared among groups. The changes of cytokine/chemokine expression in active and remission stage of EBV-related HLH patients were also compared, and the prognostic values for survival were evaluated.@*RESULTS@#Serum levels of interferon-α2 (IFN-α2), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-7 in EBV-related HLH patients were 33.67(23.23-68.78) pg/ml, (74.95±25.53) pg/ml, and 35.35(19.50-63.55) pg/ml, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in EBV-infected patients［IFN-α2: 16.07(9.87-29.63); IL-6: 55.91±20.29; IL-7: 20.40(13.35-31.40)］ and controls ［IFN-α2: 11.02(4.67-21.25); IL-6:42.64±13.41; IL-7: 16.95(14.95-33.78)］(all P<0.05). Serum levels of IL-8, IL-9, and marcophage-derived chemokine (MDC) in EBV-related HLH patients were 11.00(7.50-15.27) pg/ml, 81.30(40.79-111.0) pg/ml, and (512.6±128.7) pg/ml, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in controls ［IL-8: 6.80(5.56-8.38); IL-9: 41.30(29.82-67.91); MDC: 384.1±156.6］(all P<0.05), but there was no remarkable differences compared with EBV-infected patients (P>0.05). Serum IFN-α2, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, and MDC in survival and death groups of EBV-related HLH patients were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curve with area under curve of 0.781, 0.778, 0.633, 0.805, 0.562, and 0.657, respectively (P=0.019, 0.021, 0.269, 0.015, 0.607, and 0.190). IFN-α2, IL-6, and IL-8 had good predictive effect on survival. Serum level of IFN-α2, IL-6, and MDC of EBV-related HLH patients in remission stage were significantly lower than those in active stage (P<0.05), while IL-7, IL-8, and IL-9 were not different (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#IFN-α2, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, and MDC may take part in the pathogenesis of EBV-related HLH.

Clinical Characteristics of Children with Hemophagocytic Syndrome with Different EB Virus DNA Loads / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the clinical characteristics of hemophagocytic syndrome (HLH) children with different EB virus (EBV) DNA loads, and to explore the relationship between differential indicators and prognosis.@*METHODS@#Clinical data of 73 children with HLH treated in our hospital from January 2015 to April 2022 were collected. According to EBV DNA loads, the children were divided into negative group (≤5×102 copies/ml), low load group (>5×102-<5×105 copies/ml) and high load group (≥5×105copies/ml）. The clinical symptoms and laboratory indexes of the three groups were compared, and the ROC curve was used to determine the best cut-off value of the different indexes. Cox regression model was used to analyze the independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of children, and to analyze the survival of children in each group.@*RESULTS@#The proportion of female children, the swelling rate of liver and spleen lymph nodes and the involvement rate of blood, liver, circulation and central nervous system in the high load group were higher than those in the negative group. The incidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation(DIC) and central nervous system(CNS) involvement in the high load group were higher than those in the low load group. The liver swelling rate and circulatory system involvement rate in the low load group were higher than those in the negative group(P<0.05). PLT counts in the high load group were significantly lower than those in the negative group, and the levels of GGT, TBIL, CK-MB, LDH, TG, SF, and organ involvement were significantly higher than those in the negative group. The levels of CK, LDH, SF and the number of organ involvement in the high load group were significantly higher than those in the low load group. The levels of GGT and TBIL in low load group were significantly higher than those in negative group. In terms of treatment, the proportion of blood purification therapy in the high and low load group was significantly higher than that in the negative group(P<0.01). ROC curve analysis showed that the best cut-off values of PLT, LDH, TG and SF were 49.5, 1139, 3.12 and 1812, respectively. The appellate laboratory indicators were dichotomized according to the cut-off value, and the differential clinical symptoms were included in the Cox regression model. Univariate analysis showed that LDH>1139 U/L, SF>1812 μg/L, dysfunction of central nervous system, number of organ damage, DIC and no blood purification therapy were the risk factors affecting the prognosis of children (P<0.05); Multivariate analysis shows that PLT≤49.5×109/L and dysfunction of central nervous system were risk factors affecting the prognosis of children (P<0.05). Survival analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the survival rate among the three groups.@*CONCLUSION@#The incidence of adverse prognostic factors in children with HLH in the EBV-DNA high load group is higher, and there is no significant difference in the survival rate of the three groups after blood purification therapy. Therefore, early identification and application of blood purification therapy is of great significance for children with HLH in the high load group.

Gene Polymorphisms of Patients with Lymphoma-Associated Hemophagocytic Syndrome in Longyan area, Fujian Province / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the gene polymorphisms of patients with lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic syndrome in Longyan area, Fujian province.@*METHODS@#A total of 125 patients with lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic syndrome in Longyan, Fujian province, admitted to Longyan First Hospital from May 2017 to November 2020 were selected. Peripheral venous blood was collected from all the patients, and the genotypes of perforin 1 (PRF1) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene loci were detected by PCR-fluorescence probe method, and the correlation between PRF1 and IL-10 gene polymorphisms and lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic syndrome was analyzed.@*RESULTS@#The mutation frequencies of PRF1 gene loci rs885821 (C>T), rs885822 (C>T), rs1889490 (G>A) in patients with lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic syndrome were 10.40%, 78.8% and 64.4%, respectively. The mutation frequencies of rs1800872 (A>C), rs1800871 (C>T) and rs1800896 (G>A) of IL-10 loci were 56.0%, 45.2% and 77.6%, respectively.@*CONCLUSION@#PRF1 and IL-10 gene loci were polymorphic in patients with lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic syndrome in Longyan area, Fujian province. Alleles C and G of PRF1 and IL-10 were risk factors, and alleles T and A were protective factors.

Hyperferritinemic sepsis secondary to invasive Toxoplasma gondii in a child with untreated HIV / Sepsis hiperferritinémica secundaria a Toxoplasma gondii invasiva en un paciente pediátrico con virus de inmunodeficiencia humana sin tratamiento

Abstract Background: Untreated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-immunosuppressed pediatric patients show high morbidity and mortality from opportunistic infections. Limited cases of hyperferritinemic sepsis have been described in patients with toxoplasmosis. Case report: We describe the case of a 13-year-old female patient with a history of untreated HIV who presented with hyperferritinemic sepsis secondary to Toxoplasma gondii infection and Pneumocystis jirovecci pneumonia. She received ventilatory support, inotropic drugs, treatment for opportunistic germs, and high-dose corticosteroids, but with unfavorable evolution. Conclusions: The global approach to sepsis with elevated ferritin guides to using of therapies aimed at neutralizing the severe inflammatory response. A timely diagnosis would allow prompt treatment and minimize complications.

Resumen Introducción: Los pacientes pediátricos inmunodeprimidos por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) sin tratamiento presentan una elevada morbilidad y mortalidad por infecciones oportunistas. Se han descrito limitados casos de sepsis hiperferritinémica en pacientes con toxoplasmosis. Caso clínico: Se describe el caso de una paciente de 13 años con antecedente de VIH sin tratamiento que presentó sepsis hiperferritinémica secundaria a una infección por Toxoplasma gondii y neumonía por Pneumocystis jirovecci. Recibió soporte ventilatorio, uso de inotrópicos, tratamiento para gérmenes oportunistas y corticoides en altas dosis, pero su evolución fue desfavorable. Conclusiones: El abordaje global de la sepsis con ferritina elevada orienta a utilizar terapias dirigidas a neutralizar la respuesta inflamatoria severa, por lo que un diagnóstico oportuno permitiría iniciar el tratamiento prontamente y minimizar las complicaciones.