Fulminant tropical splenomegaly syndrome.
Eight patients with the tropical splenomegaly syndrome who presented with an acute febrile illness and severe anaemia due to haemolysis are described. None was pregnant. All were treated with anti-malarial drugs, four received steroids, and another two steroids and other cytotoxic drugs. Two patients died from causes which were, in part, attributed to this complication of the tropical splenomegaly syndrome. This mode of presentation is seldom documented in this condition. The management and differential diagnosis are discussed.
D000328:Adult; D000743:Anemia, Hemolytic / Q000150:complications; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008288:Malaria / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013163:Splenomegaly / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013577:Syndrome
D000962:Antimalarials; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D011241:Prednisone