Hemophagocytic syndrome in pregnancy.
BACKGROUND
Hemophagocytic syndrome is characterized by nonmalignant histiocytes that undergo uncontrolled phagocytosis of normal hematopoietic cells. Clinical severity ranges from complete recovery to rapid deterioration and death.


METHODS
Thrombocytopenia was discovered upon routine initial prenatal evaluation of a 24-year-old, gravida 2, para 1, at 29 weeks' gestation with a history of necrotizing lymphadenitis. Cytopenia and elevated transaminases developed, followed by hyperpyrexia. The patient delivered and her postpartum course was complicated by coagulopathy, multiorgan failure, and death. Bone marrow biopsy confirmed hemophagocytic syndrome.


CONCLUSIONS
Early diagnosis of hemophagocytic syndrome during pregnancy might be helped by recognizing symptoms and signs, including a history of necrotizing lymphadenitis, and obtaining a bone marrow biopsy.
Chmait
R H
RH
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA. ramen.h.chmait@kp.org
Meimin
D L
DL
Koo
C H
CH
Huffaker
J
J
D000328:Adult; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000150:complications; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D020042:Histiocytic Necrotizing Lymphadenitis / Q000150:complications; D015616:Histiocytosis, Non-Langerhans-Cell / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications