title: Spontaneous resolution of Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.
abstract: Secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) is a reactive, proliferative disorder of the immune system resulting in lymphohistiocytic proliferation, hemophagocytosis, and cytokine dysregulation. The most common infectious trigger in sHLH is Epstein-Barr virus (EBV-HLH). Current treatment protocols for EBV-HLH have a cure rate of approximately 75%; however, there are significant toxicities associated with these therapies. We present two patients with EBV-HLH who experienced spontaneous resolution of their disease prior to the initiation of therapy, suggesting there may be a subgroup of patients with EBV-HLH who do well with conservative management and can avoid potentially toxic therapies.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA. brian.belyea@duke.edu
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Belyea
authors.forename: Ashley
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hinson
authors.forename: Cassandra
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Moran
authors.forename: Eugene
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Heath
authors.forename: Raymond
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Barfield
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D051359:Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male