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Updated: May 12, 2026
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Culture of Macrophage Colony-stimulating Factor Differentiated Human Monocyte-derived Macrophages
Published on: June 30, 2016
[Macrophage activation syndrome: report on three cases]
Marcin Zietkiewicz1, Adam Hajduk, Anna Wojteczek
1Katedra i Klinika Chorób Wewnetrznych, Chorób Tkanki Łacznej i Geriatrii Gdańskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego, ul. Debinki 7, 80-952 Gdańsk.
Annales Academiae Medicae Stetinensis
|April 4, 2013
Summary
Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a severe condition caused by immune cell dysfunction, leading to organ damage. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment, including steroids and immunosuppressants, are crucial for survival.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a life-threatening hyperinflammatory condition.
- It stems from immune dysregulation, particularly Natural Killer (NK) cell dysfunction.
- MAS is associated with viral infections, malignancies, and autoimmune diseases like juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Observation:
- Typical MAS symptoms include fever, enlarged spleen and liver, swollen lymph nodes, and low blood cell counts.
- Key laboratory findings include elevated ferritin, triglycerides, and liver enzymes, with low fibrinogen.
- The condition results in excessive cytokine release and infiltration of organs by activated macrophages.
Findings:
- This study highlights diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in managing MAS.
- Aggressive treatment is essential due to the risk of multiple organ dysfunction.
- Treatment strategies involve addressing the trigger, high-dose glucocorticosteroids, and second-line agents like cyclosporine or etoposide.
Implications:
- Understanding MAS pathophysiology is critical for timely diagnosis and intervention.
- Effective management requires a multidisciplinary approach combining immunosuppression and supportive care.
- Further research into MAS pathogenesis may reveal novel therapeutic targets.
