Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Associated With Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in a Child: A Case Report and Systematic Literature Review

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2022 Jul 1;44(5):e905-e910. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000002265. Epub 2021 Aug 13.

Abstract

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening disorder resulting from excessive activation and nonmalignant proliferation of T-lymphocytes and macrophages. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a disease characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure. Reports pertaining to the association between HLH and HUS are rarely published; however, we report on a 4-year-old boy who was diagnosed with both conditions and treated successfully with high-dose steroid and intravenous immunoglobulin. Differentiating HUS from HLH can be challenging because of their clinical similarities. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and immunosuppressive treatment are essential and life-saving to these patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Kidney Injury* / complications
  • Anemia, Hemolytic*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic* / complications
  • Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic* / diagnosis
  • Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic* / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Thrombocytopenia* / complications