Haemophagocytic Syndrome in a 19-Year-Old Male with Plasmodium falciparum Malaria
  • Rembert Mertens
    Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
  • Sabine D Allard
    Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
  • Lucie Seyler
    Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
  • Kristin Jochmans
    Laboratory of Hematology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
  • Patrick Lacor
    Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium

Abstract

Objectives: Infectious agents triggering haemophagocyticlymphohistiocytosis (HLH) primarily involve the herpes virus group. We report a case of HLH precipitated by Plasmodium falciparum.
Materials and methods: Clinical and laboratory findings in a patient presenting with fever were collected. After confirmation of acute malaria, anti-malarial treatment was administered.
Results: Despite initial favourable evolution, the patient developed fever again together with a worsening of the haematological parameters and increased ferritin levels. A bone marrow biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of HLH.
Conclusion: This case illustrates that HLH should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute malaria in patients with persisting fever and pancytopenia.

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    Published: 2014-06-20
    Issue: Vol. 1 (2014) (view)

    How to cite:
    1.
    Mertens R, Allard SD, Seyler L, Jochmans K, Lacor P. Haemophagocytic Syndrome in a 19-Year-Old Male with Plasmodium falciparum Malaria. EJCRIM 2014;1 doi:10.12890/2014_000073.

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