title: Epstein-Barr virus-related lymphoproliferative disorder induced by equine anti-thymocyte globulin therapy.
abstract: Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is generally caused by an uncontrolled B-cell proliferation induced by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the setting of impaired EBV-specific T-cell immunity. PTLD has been described in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and rarely in autologous HSCT. Anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) is being increasingly utilized for acute rejection in organ transplantation, severe autoimmune diseases and aplastic anemia. Mainly, the use of rabbit ATG has been associated with PTLD, which is considered to be more immunosuppressive than equine ATG. The sole administration of equine ATG has rarely been associated with PTLD. Due to the increased use of these potent and novel immunosuppressive agents, it is paramount to be aware of these complications. We present a 55-year-old man with an autologous HSCT who presented with an unusual case of monoclonal plasmacytic PTLD. His lymphoproliferative disorder occurred 3 years after his HSCT and 1 month after the use of equine ATG administered for severe aplastic anemia. We review current concepts of EBV-PTLD, including risk factors, the potential for preemptive therapy and various management strategies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 1460, Houston, TX 77030, USA. GMViola@mdanderson.org
authors.forename: George M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Viola
authors.forename: Youli
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zu
authors.forename: Kelty R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Baker
authors.forename: Saima
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aslam
mesh_terms: D000741:Anemia, Aplastic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D000818:Animals; D000961:Antilymphocyte Serum / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human; D006736:Horses; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000601:surgery; D008232:Lymphoproliferative Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036102:Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000961:Antilymphocyte Serum; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents