Myeloperoxidase deficiency and severe sepsis

We have described a 45-year-old obese white man found to have myeloperoxidase (MPO) deficiency of the granulocytic and monocytic series. Pancreatic necrosis due to bacterial infection developed as a complication of acute pancreatitis. Subsequently, he died of sepsis. MPO staining of terminal antemortem blood smears and postmortem bone marrow aspirates showed absence of MPO in cells of the myelocytic and monocytic series. Family members' neutrophils and monocytes stained positive for MPO. MPO deficiency associated with severe sepsis is rarely reported. This case serves as a review of the association between hereditary and acquired MPO deficiency and severe infection.