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Successful outcome of severe aplastic anemia following Epstein-Barr virus infection
J E Grishaber1, K L McClain, D H Mahoney
1Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030.
Insights
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection can lead to severe aplastic anemia in children. High-dose steroid treatment, like prednisone, showed bone marrow recovery in a patient, suggesting its efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Severe aplastic anemia (SAA) is a rare but serious condition.
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection has been linked to SAA in pediatric patients.
- The exact cause of EBV-associated SAA is unknown, but immune system involvement is suspected.
Abstract:
Severe aplastic anemia has been reported in children following Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. The pathophysiology of disease is not known, but an immunologic mechanism is suspected because of the rapid response to steroids. A patient with severe aplastic anemia following EBV infection experienced bone marrow recovery after treatment with high-dose prednisone. After reviewing the literature it is concluded that steroid therapy is indicated in this select group of patients.