title: [Elderly patient with varicella-zoster virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome refractory to steroid therapy].
abstract: We experienced a case of virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (VAHS) after varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection. The patient, a 101-year-old man, presented with anemia, thrombocytopenia and jaundice two weeks after successful antiviral treatment for the VZV. Histiocytes were detected in the bone marrow examination (2.2%); however, hepatomegaly and triglycemia remained unobserved throughout the course. Reactivation of VZV was detected serologically. The patient died after five weeks because of persistent cytopenia and liver failure refractory to steroid treatment. An autopsy revealed hemophagocytosis in the bone marrow, lung, spleen and liver.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hematology, National Hospital Organization, Minami-Okayama Medical Center.
authors.forename: Isao
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Yoshida
authors.forename: Tadashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yoshino
authors.forename: Makoto
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Takeuchi
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004351:Drug Resistance; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006562:Herpes Zoster; D014645:Herpesvirus 3, Human; D006801:Humans; D051359:Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology*; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D011239:Prednisolone; D008775:Methylprednisolone