Haemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Secondary to Communicable Diseases in Children Presenting in a Tertiary Care Centre - A Case Series

A case report

  • Varun Kumar Singh Associate Professor, ESIPGIMSR, Basadarapur, New Delhi, India.
  • Sneh Pushp Senior Resident, ESIPGIMSR, Basadarapur, New Delhi, India.
  • Shikha Sagar Junior Resident, ESIPGIMSR, Basadarapur, New Delhi, India.
  • Smriti Rohtagi Assistant Professor, ESIPGIMSR, Basadarapur, New Delhi, India.
  • Jyoti Bagla Professor, Department of Pediatrics, ESIPGIMSR, Basadarapur, New Delhi, India.
  • Kanwaljeet Kaur Chopra Associate Professor, ESIPGIMSR, Basadarapur, New Delhi, India.
Keywords: Secondary Haemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), Leptospirosis, Enteric Fever, Scrub Typhus

Abstract

Primary Haemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare disorder. However, secondary HLH is not so rare. Viral infections like Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) can lead to HLH. Bacterial infections can occasionally lead to HLH. Here, we have reported 4 cases of HLH related to bacterial infections common in our setting. The first case had leptospirosis, the second had leptospirosis with scrub typhus, the third had enteric fever, and the fourth had enteric fever and leptospirosis. These patients presented in sick condition. An apparent non-response to standard antibiotic therapy prompted us to do further investigation, which confirmed HLH. Such patients can have a turbulent and fatal course if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Hence a prompt workup and management of HLH in the cases in which clinical response to antibiotics is inadequate helps in
improving outcomes and preventing mortality.

How to cite this article:

Singh V K, Pushp S, Sagar S, Rohtagi S, Bagla J, Chopra K K. Haemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Secondary to Communicable Diseases in Children Presenting in a Tertiary Care Centre - A Case Series. J Commun Dis. 2023;55(4):56-62.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202356

 

Author Biographies

Shikha Sagar, Junior Resident, ESIPGIMSR, Basadarapur, New Delhi, India.

 

 

Smriti Rohtagi, Assistant Professor, ESIPGIMSR, Basadarapur, New Delhi, India.

 Junior resident ,Department of Pediatrics, ESIPGIMSR, Basadarapur

 

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Published
2024-03-01