Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis onset during induction therapy for precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2008 Dec;30(12):956-8. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0b013e3181864ab9.

Abstract

We report the clinical course of a child with precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia who developed fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and refractory thrombocytopenia after initiation of chemotherapy. Bone marrow aspiration on Day 8 of induction showed new onset of hemophagocytosis and he met clinical, laboratory, and histopathologic criteria for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. His symptoms improved significantly after an increased dosage of steroids.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects*
  • Asparaginase / administration & dosage
  • Bone Marrow / pathology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dexamethasone / administration & dosage
  • Fever / etiology
  • Hepatomegaly / chemically induced
  • Humans
  • Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic / chemically induced*
  • Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Polyethylene Glycols / administration & dosage
  • Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / drug therapy*
  • Remission Induction
  • Splenomegaly / chemically induced
  • Thrombocytopenia / chemically induced
  • Vincristine / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Vincristine
  • pegaspargase
  • Dexamethasone
  • Asparaginase