DOI: 10.12890/2025_005114
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis secondary to dengue fever
Authors
skashfi000@citymail.cuny.edu
Keywords
HLH, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, Dengue, anakinraAbstract
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening hyperinflammatory syndrome often misdiagnosed due to its rarity and overlapping symptoms with sepsis or organ dysfunction. This case report describes a 52-year-old male who developed dengue-induced HLH after traveling to Barbados, presenting with multi-organ failure and laboratory abnormalities, including hyperferritinaemia and elevated IL-2R. Diagnosed via bone marrow biopsy, he was treated with corticosteroids and the IL-1R antagonist anakinra, leading to recovery. Dengue-associated HLH in adults is rare but rising due to increased global dengue incidence. Early recognition and tailored treatment are critical for improved outcomes.
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