title: Epstein-barr virus-related hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: hematologic emergency in the critical care setting.
abstract: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare and potential life-threatening clinical syndrome that results from uncontrolled activation of the immune system. Secondary HLH, more commonly observed in adult patients, is seen in the context of underlying triggering conditions. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been recognized as the leading infectious cause and is associated with a poor outcome. As clinical and laboratory features of HLH could overlap with septic shock syndrome in most patients, the diagnosis of HLH, especially in adults, is the most challenging aspect of the disease that results in delayed recognition and treatment of rapidly progressive multiorgan system failure. We report a case of Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in a patient who presented with signs of septic shock syndrome and we review the literature on the topic.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: Neda
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hashemi-Sadraei
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: Pimprapa
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vejpongsa
authors.affiliation: Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: Muhamed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Baljevic
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: Lei
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: Modupe
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Idowu