Infect Chemother.  2021 Dec;53(4):802-807. 10.3947/ic.2018.0203.

A Case of Human Immunodeficiency Virus -triggered Hemophagocytic Lymphohistocytosis Presenting with Severe Bleeding Tendency

• Kim B
• Choi YW
• Pai H
• Kim J

• KMID: 2524079
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3947/ic.2018.0203

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is one of the less common triggers of secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in which coagulation disorder is a frequent manifestation. Here, we present a case of HIV-triggered secondary HLH presenting with severe bleeding tendency and fever. Despite high-dose dexamethasone infusion (10 mg/body surface area/day), progressive disseminated intravascular coagulation and thrombocytopenia resulted in massive hemathochezia: the bleeding episode ceased after endoscopic hemoclipping. After then, he took a highly-active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Eventually, body temperature and overall laboratory findings normalized in response to HAART. Clinicians should not overlook HIV infection as a possible trigger of secondary HLH. In such cases, HAART is the core treatment.

Keyword

Human immunodeficiency virus; Acquired immune deficiency syndrome; Antiviral