RESUMO
Abstract Objective Monitoring the disease status of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) patients is crucial. This study aimed to investigate the different strategies and outcomes of patients with EBV-HLH and re-elevated EBV-DNA. Method A retrospective analysis was conducted on 20 patients diagnosed with EBV-HLH. Clinical features, laboratory tests, treatments, plasma EBV-DNA levels, and outcomes were assessed. Three cases were highlighted for detailed analysis. Results Nine of the 20 patients had a re-elevation of EBV-DNA during treatment, and 55.5 % (5/9) experienced relapses. Patients with persistently positive plasma EBV-DNA (n = 4) and those with re-elevated EBV-DNA after conversion (n = 9) showed a significantly higher relapse rate compared to those with persistently negative EBV-HLH (n = 7) (p < 0.05). Among the highlighted cases, Case 1 exhibited plasma EBV-DNA re-elevation after four weeks of treatment without relapse, maintaining stability with the original treatment regimen, and eventually, his plasma EBV-DNA turned negative. In Case 2, plasma EBV-DNA was elevated again with a recurrence of HLH after L-DEP. Consequently, she underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and eventually achieved complete remission (CR) with negative plasma EBV-DNA. Case 3 experienced plasma EBV-DNA re-elevation after L-DEP but remained in CR, discontinuing chemotherapy without relapse. Conclusion The re-elevation of plasma EBV-DNA during EBV-HLH treatment poses challenges in determining disease status and treatment strategies. Optimal management decisions require a combination of the level of elevated EBV-DNA, the intensity of hyperinflammation, and the patient's immune function.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Monitoring the disease status of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) patients is crucial. This study aimed to investigate the different strategies and outcomes of patients with EBV-HLH and re-elevated EBV-DNA. METHOD: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 20 patients diagnosed with EBV-HLH. Clinical features, laboratory tests, treatments, plasma EBV-DNA levels, and outcomes were assessed. Three cases were highlighted for detailed analysis. RESULTS: Nine of the 20 patients had a re-elevation of EBV-DNA during treatment, and 55.5 % (5/9) experienced relapses. Patients with persistently positive plasma EBV-DNA (n = 4) and those with re-elevated EBV-DNA after conversion (n = 9) showed a significantly higher relapse rate compared to those with persistently negative EBV-HLH (n = 7) (p < 0.05). Among the highlighted cases, Case 1 exhibited plasma EBV-DNA re-elevation after four weeks of treatment without relapse, maintaining stability with the original treatment regimen, and eventually, his plasma EBV-DNA turned negative. In Case 2, plasma EBV-DNA was elevated again with a recurrence of HLH after L-DEP. Consequently, she underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and eventually achieved complete remission (CR) with negative plasma EBV-DNA. Case 3 experienced plasma EBV-DNA re-elevation after L-DEP but remained in CR, discontinuing chemotherapy without relapse. CONCLUSION: The re-elevation of plasma EBV-DNA during EBV-HLH treatment poses challenges in determining disease status and treatment strategies. Optimal management decisions require a combination of the level of elevated EBV-DNA, the intensity of hyperinflammation, and the patient's immune function.
Assuntos
DNA Viral , Infecções por Vírus Epstein-Barr , Herpesvirus Humano 4 , Linfo-Histiocitose Hemofagocítica , Recidiva , Humanos , Linfo-Histiocitose Hemofagocítica/terapia , Linfo-Histiocitose Hemofagocítica/sangue , Linfo-Histiocitose Hemofagocítica/virologia , Estudos Retrospectivos , Masculino , Infecções por Vírus Epstein-Barr/sangue , Infecções por Vírus Epstein-Barr/complicações , Infecções por Vírus Epstein-Barr/terapia , Feminino , DNA Viral/sangue , Pré-Escolar , Criança , Herpesvirus Humano 4/genética , Herpesvirus Humano 4/isolamento & purificação , Lactente , Adolescente , Resultado do Tratamento , Relevância ClínicaRESUMO
Secondary lymphohistiocytosis is a severe inflammatory condition characterized by uncontrolled inflammatory response hyperactivation of antigen-presenting cells, hemophagocytosis, cytopenias, and multiorgan failure, and is secondary to subjacent pathologies such as cancer, infection, or immune disease. Standard treatment includes chemotherapy; however, this is not always possible or safe. Ruxolitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) 1/2 inhibitor can reduce inflammation and cytokine activity and has been used in refractory cases and first-line treatment. Here, we present a 35-year-old patient with HIV infection and secondary lymphohistiocytosis due to CMV/EBV infection who was successfully treated with ruxolitinib as first-line therapy. He rapidly showed clinical and biochemical improvement and transfusion independence without complications.