title: Successful treatment of acute hepatitis A-associated hemophagocytic syndrome by intravenous immunoglobulin.
abstract: Virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (VAHS) is a rare complication in acute hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection. There is no standard therapy for VAHS and the clinical course is variable. Data on the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in the treatment of HAV-associated VAHS is limited. We report a previously healthy, 32-year-old man who presented with general malaise, fever, chills and splenomegaly. Laboratory examination showed marked elevation of aminotransferase, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Acute hepatitis A was documented by the presence of immunoglobulin M anti-HAV and compatible liver biopsy findings. Bone marrow examination revealed extensive hemophagocytosis. IVIG was administered after the diagnosis of HAV-associated VAHS. His symptoms and laboratory abnormalities improved, and following a smooth recovery he was discharged 1 month after admission.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei.
authors.forename: Chi-Ming
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Tai
authors.forename: Chun-Jen
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Ming
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yao
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000150:complications*; D015616:Histiocytosis, Non-Langerhans-Cell / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous