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Two Infectious Agents Causing Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis
Muhammad Umair Atiq1, Ahmad Raza1, Ammar Ashfaq1
1Internal Medicine, Jefferson Abington Hospital, Abington, USA.
Cureus
|October 18, 2021
Summary
Early recognition of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is crucial. This study highlights uncommon causes like HIV and babesiosis, emphasizing prompt diagnosis and treatment for better outcomes in secondary HLH.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a severe immune dysregulation syndrome.
- Adult secondary HLH can be triggered by uncommon conditions such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and opportunistic infections, or severe babesiosis.
Observation:
- Two cases illustrate diagnostic challenges: a 35-year-old male with HIV, disseminated histoplasmosis, and HLH; and a 72-year-old female with severe babesiosis and secondary HLH.
- Delayed diagnosis can occur when patients do not initially meet full HLH criteria.
Findings:
- Prompt treatment of underlying conditions (HIV/histoplasmosis or babesiosis) led to clinical and laboratory improvement in both HLH cases.
- The presence of HIV and opportunistic infections, or severe babesiosis, should increase suspicion for HLH.
Implications:
- This study underscores the importance of considering and investigating uncommon causes of secondary HLH in adults.
- Timely diagnosis and management of HLH secondary to infections like HIV or babesiosis are critical for patient survival and recovery.
Keywords:
disseminated babesiosishematology-oncologyhemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosishiv aidssecondary hlhMore Related Videos
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