Severe systemic autoimmune disease associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2004 Dec;26(12):831-3.

Abstract

Infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been associated with different autoimmune manifestations. The authors describe a girl who developed a severe systemic autoimmune disease with severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia, mild autoimmune thrombopenia, antineutrophil antibodies, and fatal autoimmune hepatitis after EBV infection. Despite immunosuppressive treatment and ultimately liver transplantation, this patient could not overcome her clinical condition and died. The etiopathogenesis of this complex disease and the association with EBV infection is discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anemia, Hemolytic / etiology*
  • Anemia, Hemolytic / immunology
  • Anemia, Hemolytic / pathology
  • Antibodies, Antinuclear
  • Autoimmune Diseases / etiology*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / pathology
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / complications*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Hepatitis / etiology*
  • Hepatitis / immunology*
  • Hepatitis / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Infant
  • Liver Transplantation
  • Thrombocytopenia / etiology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antinuclear
  • Immunosuppressive Agents