Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis secondary to Plasmodium falciparum malaria: Case report and review of the literature
- Author:
Fatma HAMMAMI
1
;
Makram KOUBAA
1
;
Rim CHAABOUNI
1
;
Abrakhom ZEYNI
1
;
Khaoula REKIK
1
;
Fatma SMAOUI
1
;
Mounir JEMAA
1
;
Mourad CHAARI
2
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine 2020;13(10):467-471
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
- Abstract: Rationale: Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a rare complication of malaria, which is often misdiagnosed. Patient concerns: A 30-year-old male was admitted to our department for persistent fever, which began after returning from a stay in Guinea-Conakry. The laboratory investigations revealed a pancytopenia and an elevated C-reactive protein. Peripheral smear examination showed Plasmodium falciparum, therefore confirming the diagnosis of malaria. The laboratory tests showed a worsening pancytopenia. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy revealed images of hemophagocytosis. Diagnosis: The diagnosis of haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis complicating malaria infection was established. Interventions: The patient was treated with artemether-lumefantrine. No immunosuppressant treatment was delivered to the patient. He received antipyretic and antimalarial treatment only. Outcomes and lessons: We report a case of haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis trigged by malaria infection and we review all reported cases secondary to Plasmodium falciparum malaria by searching PubMed publications till October 2019. Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytos secondary to malaria should be suspected even in non-severe cases of malaria. Hammami Fatma 1 Infectious Diseases Department, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, University of Sfax Koubaa Makram 2 Infectious Diseases Department, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, University of Sfax Chaari Mourad 3 Hematology Laboratory, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, University of Sfax Chaabouni Rim 4 Infectious Diseases Department, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, University of Sfax Zeyni Abrakhom 5 Infectious Diseases Department, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, University of Sfax Rekik Khaoula 6 Infectious Diseases Department, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, University of Sfax Smaoui Fatma 7 Infectious Diseases Department, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, University of Sfax Jemaa Mounir 8 Infectious Diseases Department, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, University of Sfax Nascimento TL do, Vasconcelos SP, Peres Y, Oliveira MJS de, Taminato M, Souza KMJ de. Prevalence of malaria relapse: Systematic review with meta-analysis. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem 2019; 18(27): e3111. 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