Macrophage activation syndrome in a newborn infant born to a mother with autoimmune disease

J H Park1, S H Kim1, H J Kim1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a complication of rheumatic disorders characterized by cytopenia, multiple organ dysfunction and coagulopathy associated with an inappropriate activation of macrophage. In neonatal lupus erythematosus, MAS is rare but fatal, requiring early diagnosis and treatment for optimal outcome. We report a case of MAS in a neonate born to a mother with autoimmune disease, improved by treatment with steroid, intravenous immunoglobulin and cyclosporine.