[Idiopathic and secondary capillary leak syndromes: A systematic review of the literature]

Characteristics of SARS-CoV-2-associated severe episodes of monoclonal gammopathy-associated capillary leak syndrome (Clarkson disease)

BACKGROUND

Monoclonal gammopathy-associated capillary leak syndrome (MG-CLS) is a rare condition characterized by recurrent episodes of hypovolemic shock caused by a sudden increase in capillary permeability. The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with a rise in MG-CLS episodes and increased mortality. We aimed to explore the association between MG-CLS and SARS-CoV-2 infection. We conducted a multicenter retrospective observational study involving MG-CLS patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). The primary endpoint was 28-day mortality according to whether SARS-CoV-2 was identified as a trigger.

RESULTS

The study included 84 patients (44% women) with a median age of 55 years [IQR 46-62], accounting for 127 ICU admissions. Most patients (88%) had monoclonal gammopathy, predominantly with an IgG heavy chain (98%). A trigger was identified in 63% of cases, primarily suspected or confirmed viral infections, including 26 episodes of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Within 28 days of ICU admission, 32% of patients died. Episodes triggered by SARS-CoV-2 were associated with a higher need for mechanical ventilation (69% vs. 38%, p = 0.004), renal replacement therapy (54% vs. 31%, p = 0.03), and increased 28-day mortality (42% vs. 17%, p = 0.005). Multivariable analysis revealed that SARS-CoV-2 infection was independently associated with 28-day mortality (OR 4.67 [1.08-20.1], p = 0.04). The use of intravenous immunoglobulins did not improve 28-day survival.

CONCLUSION

In this large cohort of MG-CLS episodes requiring ICU admission, SARS-CoV-2as a trigger was associated with significantly higher 28-day mortality compared to other triggers. Further research is essential to elucidate the specific mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 impacts MG-CLS patients.

Systemic capillary leak syndrome

The vascular endothelial barrier maintains intravascular volume and metabolic homeostasis. Although plasma fluids and proteins extravasate continuously from tissue microvasculature (capillaries, post-capillary venules), systemic vascular leakage increases in critical illness associated with sepsis, burns and trauma, among others, or in association with certain drugs or toxin exposures. Systemically dysregulated fluid homeostasis, which can lead to hypovolaemia, hypotensive shock and widespread tissue oedema, has been termed systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) when overt secondary causes (for example, heart or liver failure) are excluded. In severe forms, SCLS is complicated by compartment syndrome in the extremities and multi-organ dysfunction syndrome due to shock and systemic hypoperfusion. The different forms of SCLS include idiopathic SCLS (ISCLS) and secondary SCLS (SSCLS), which can be triggered by several conditions, including certain infections and haematological malignancies. A subgroup of patients with ISCLS have monoclonal gammopathy-associated SCLS (also known as Clarkson disease), which is an ultra-rare and extreme form of ISCLS. ISCLS can be managed effectively with monthly prophylactic immunoglobulin therapy whereas SSCLS frequently does not recur once the underlying condition resolves or the offending agent is discontinued. Thus, differentiation between ISCLS, SSCLS and other causes of oedema is crucial for quick diagnosis and positive patient outcomes.

Systemic capillary leak syndrome in a patient treated with nivolumab/ipilimumab immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma with concurrent COVID-19 vaccination

Systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) is a rare and life-threatening disorder characterised by leaking of intravascular fluid to extravascular tissues. An association with immunotherapy and COVID-19 vaccination has been reported as potential triggers. A case of a patient in her 70s developing SCLS after the BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) COVID-19 vaccination with a history of metastatic melanoma treated with nivolumab (PD-1 monoclonal antibody) and ipilimumab (anti-CTLA4 monoclonal antibody) is reported. The aetiology and management of SCLS are also reviewed in this case context.

Capillary Leak syndrome within an hour of G-CSF

Capillary leak syndrome (CLS) is a well-known phenomenon that has been reported commonly in association with septic shock, polytrauma, and pancreatitis in intensive care settings. In the hematologic literature, it has been reported following granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 2, and interleukin 4 infusions; and autologous and allogenic bone marrow transplantations in both pediatric as well as adult populations. Only a few cases of CLS have been reported in the pediatric population following G-CSF. We report here a case of a 9-year-old female who developed CLS within 60 minutes of receiving the first dose of G-CSF that was successfully treated with immediate symptomatic management.

Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome as a Rare, Potentially Fatal Complication of COVID-19: A Case Report and Literature Review

Systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS), also known as Clarkson's disease, is a rare and potentially lethal condition characterized by hypotension, hemoconcentration, and hypoalbuminemia; however, the cause of SCLS is still uncertain. We present the case of a 62-year-old male with flu-like symptoms who presented to the emergency department with shock. Initial evaluation revealed hemoconcentration, hypoalbuminemia, acute kidney failure, and positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Despite aggressive fluid resuscitation, the shock persisted, and the patient's condition deteriorated. After ruling out ischemia and septic shock, the patient was diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated SCLS. Treatment with remdesivir and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), along with the restoration of intravascular volume, led to the gradual improvement of the patient's condition. The patient experienced pulmonary edema, which was managed by correcting the fluid balance through continuous hemodiafiltration. Eventually, the patient recovered without any residual organ complications. SCLS is often misdiagnosed because of its rarity and non-specific symptoms. Accurate diagnosis and understanding of the disease's pathophysiology are crucial for effective management. This report contributes to the existing literature by presenting a case of COVID-19-associated SCLS and emphasizes the need for further research on its occurrence and outcomes.

A case of recurrent systemic capillary leak syndrome triggered by influenza A infection associated with cardiogenic shock supported by veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) is a rare and under-recognized disease which is potentially fatal. We report a case of SCLS triggered by influenza A infection associated with fulminant cardiogenic shock, successfully supported by veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO). Strong clinical suspicion with appropriate supportive treatment can be life-saving for patients with SCLS.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors-induced systemic capillary leak syndrome: A report of two cases

INTRODUCTION

The occurrence of systemic capillary leak syndrome under immune checkpoint inhibitors has seldom been reported in the literature.

OBSERVATION

We report two cases of systemic capillary leak syndrome that occurred with nivolumab (anti-PD-1 antibody) for one, and with an anti-PD-1/CTLA-4 bi-specific antibody for the other. Patients presented with anasarca, hypoalbuminemia, acute kidney injury and, in one case, circulatory collapse. Immune checkpoint inhibitor causality was retained in the lack of evidence for other causes of secondary capillary leak syndrome or for an idiopathic form. The symptoms resolved after a few days of supportive measures (associated with glucocorticoids in one case).

DISCUSSION

A high index of suspicion is required for the diagnosis of immune checkpoint inhibitors-induced systemic capillary leak syndrome because its presentation may differ from that of the idiopathic form. Activated CD8⁺ T-cells play a prominent role in the occurrence of immune checkpoint inhibitors-induced capillary leakage via their cytolytic action on the vascular endothelium. Treatment relies on supportive measures and discontinuation of the immune checkpoint inhibitor while the place of immunomodulatory drugs remains to be defined.

A Disproportionality Analysis for Association of Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome with COVID-19 Vaccination Using the World Health Organization Pharmacovigilance Database

Systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) is a rare and potentially life-threatening disorder characterized by reversible plasma extravasation and vascular collapse. This study aimed to investigate the association between different types of COVID-19 vaccine and SCLS in a real-world setting. We used individual case safety reports of SCLS after COVID-19 vaccination from the WHO pharmacovigilance database, VigiBase. A disproportionality analysis of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and mRNA-based vaccines was performed. The information component (IC) and reporting odds ratio (ROR) were calculated from the entire database and viral vaccines data subset. A positive 95% lower end of the IC (IC025) value (>0) using Bayesian neural network analysis and lower end of the ROR 95% confidence interval (ROR025) ≥1 were defined as the ADR signal detection threshold. A total of 101 (0.004%) events of SCLS were identified. A significant potential signal of disproportionality of SCLS was noted in ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 when applied as the denominator for entire database (IC025 = 0.24, ROR025 = 1.23) and all viral vaccines (IC025 = 0.41, ROR025 = 1.59). No significant potential signal was noted for two mRNA-based vaccines as denominators for the entire database (IC025 = −0.49, ROR025 = 0.71) and all viral vaccines (IC025 = −0.32, ROR025 = 0.77). Contrary to ChAdOx1 nCoV-1, no safety signal for developing SCLS was identified for mRNA-based vaccines.

Consider systemic capillary leak syndrome in monoclonal gammopathy with shock

Introduction and importance

The cappilary leacking syndrome is a very rare disease that can be idiopathic (clarkson syndrome) or secondary to other pathologys.

Case presentation

We report a case of 37-year-old women who was admitted in the emergency room for a hemodynamic shock of neither cardiac nor septic cause, and the patient wasn't presenting any bleeding. The investigations showed that the diagnosis was a Clarkson syndrome crisis and the patient was having supportive treatment containing fluid therapy, vasoactive drugs, and ECMO. And died after 48h of hospitalization.

Clinical discussion

the cappilary leacking syndrome is a very fatal affection, its physiopathologis remains unknown. It evoluate by crisis made by hypotension and anasarca, in severe cases it is presented as fatal hypovolemic schock. Biological investigations show hemoconcentration associated with hypoalbunemia which is pathognomonic of the disease. The treatment is essentially based on crisis treatment support by fluid therapy, vasoactives drugs, some practicien report the use of theophilyn for prevention but without any proven efficiency.

Conclusion

For all this reasons we are in the obligation of investing in fundamental studies to better understand this fatal disease.

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The cappilary leacking syndrome is a very rare disease.

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The physiopathology of cappilary leck syndrom remains unknown.

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It evoluate by crisis made by hypotension and anasarca, in severe cases it is presented as fatal hypovolemic schock.

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Hemoconcentration associated with hypoalbunemia is pathognomonic of the disease.

Clinical features of 47 secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis patients complicated with capillary leak syndrome

The clinical features of patients with secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) complicated with capillary leak syndrome (CLS) remain controversial. The data of 259 sHLH patients were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, treatment, and prognosis of the CLS-sHLH group and non-CLS-sHLH group were compared. The levels of fibrinogen, albumin, and serum calcium in the CLS-sHLH group were lower than in the non-CLS-sHLH group, and serum triglycerides in the CLS-sHLH group were higher than in the non-CLS-sHLH group (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis showed that fibrinogen level was an independent prognostic factor in sHLH patients complicated with CLS. The median survival time was significantly shorter in patients with fibrinogen ≤ 1.3 g/L than in patients with fibrinogen > 1.3 g/L (P < 0.05). Patients with improved CLS conditions in the CLS-sHLH group had significantly increased albumin and serum calcium after treatment (P < 0.05); patients without improved conditions in the CLS-sHLH group also had significantly increased albumin after treatment (P < 0.05), but the serum calcium did not change significantly (P > 0.05). sHLH patients complicated with CLS had significantly worse prognosis than without CLS. Significant reduction in fibrinogen may be an independent prognostic factor for poor prognosis in sHLH patients complicated with CLS.

Multiple limb compartment syndrome as a manifestation of capillary leak syndrome secondary to metformin and dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor overdose: A case report

RATIONALE

Capillary leak syndrome is a condition that increases systemic capillary permeability and causes characteristic manifestations such as recurrent hypovolemia, systemic edema, and hemoconcentration. Acute limb compartment syndrome is a possible complication of severe capillary leak syndrome. However, timely diagnosis and prompt treatment are challenging because of atypical presentation.

PATIENT CONCERNS

An 18-year-old woman with a history of clinical depression was admitted to our intensive care unit (ICU) because of metformin and vildagliptin overdose. She developed marked vasodilatory shock with recurrent severe hypovolemia and disseminated intravascular coagulation. After urgent hemodialysis and plasma exchange, she started to stabilize hemodynamically. However, her limbs became stone-hard with massive edema. Her serum creatinine kinase level increased to an extremely high level.

DIAGNOSIS

Extremities were distended, and her skin developed pallor with blistering. Intramuscular pressure in both forearms and lower legs was significantly elevated.

INTERVENTIONS

Decompressive fasciotomy was performed. Hemodialysis was continued because of rhabdomyolyses-induced acute kidney injury.

OUTCOMES

The patient was finally able to walk by herself at the time of hospital discharge on day 109.

LESSONS

The possibility of acute compartment syndrome should be considered in patients with marked capillary leakage, especially after aggressive fluid resuscitation. It is important to be aware of the compartment syndrome in an ICU setting because communication barriers often mask typical symptoms and make diagnosis difficult.

Refractory shock during the anesthetic and surgical management of an intrahepatic tumor arising from the adrenal cortex: A case report

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With adrenocortical carcinoma, tumoral secretion is present in 25 to 75% of the cases.

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In the absence of excessive hormonal production, the diagnosis is often delayed.

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Isolated liver metastatic lesion may develop after several years of follow-up.

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Resection of a large intrahepatic malignant lesion may be complicated by a secondary capillary leak syndrome.

Introduction

Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare type of malignant adrenal tumor with a possibility of delayed metastases. Diagnosis may be delayed with a non-secreting tumor or metastasis, and even in this case, surgical management may be complicate.

Presentation of case

A 55-year-old man underwent elective surgery for the resection of a large intra-hepatic mass from an undetermined type according to a recent liver biopsy. He had a previous history of a non-secreting adrenal tumor that was operated ten years before. Pre-operatively, he was poorly symptomatic, with a normal arterial blood pressure. Anesthesia induction was uneventful, but at the time of tumor resection and removal, he developed extreme vasoplegia and shock with anuric renal failure, lactic acidosis, four-limb and abdominal compartment syndrome. The patient died on day 9 from delayed septic complications. According to the pathological findings, the tumor was a non-secreting adrenocortical carcinoma.

Discussion

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is rare condition with diverse clinical manifestations due to excessive hormonal production when the tumor is secreting and mimicking pheochromocytoma. Our patient underwent the resection a large intrahepatic non-secreting metastasis more than ten years after the initial lesion. Peri-operative and post-operative management was complicated by a refractory shock with the characteristics of a secondary systemic capillary leak syndrome. The role of endothelial lesions may be discussed.

Conclusion

Surgery of metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma may be complicated by severe hemodynamic complications, even in the absence of hormonal secretion.

Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome Secondary to Coronavirus Disease 2019

Systemic capillary leak syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by dysfunctional inflammatory response, endothelial dysfunction, and extravasation of fluid from the vascular space to the interstitial space leading to shock, hemoconcentration, hypoalbuminemia, and subsequent organ failure. The condition may be idiopathic or secondary to an underlying cause, which can include viral infections. Here we describe a patient with acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection who presented with hemoconcentration, shock, and hypoalbuminemia. The patient subsequently developed rhabdomyolysis and compartment syndrome of all four extremities, requiring fasciotomies. This is the first reported case of systemic capillary leak syndrome associated with COVID-19 infection. This case adds to the evolving spectrum of inflammatory effects associated with this viral infection.

[Clinical analysis of secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis complicated with capillary leak syndrome]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics of secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) complicated with capillary leak syndrome (CLS) . Methods: The clinical and laboratory data of 87 sHLH patients, who were treated in our hospital between January 2015 and December 2017, were retrospectively analyzed. Depending on whether they were complicated with CLS, 21 sHLH patients were classified as the CLS-sHLH group, while 66 were classified as the non-CLS-sHLH group. The differences of clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, treatment and prognosis between the two groups were compared. Results: There was no significant difference in the etiology of sHLH between the CLS-sHLH group and the non-CLS-sHLH group (P>0.05) . The neutrophil, fibrinogen and albumin levels in the CLS-sHLH group were lower than those in the non-CLS-sHLH group, while the triacylglycerol levels were higher than those in the non-CLS-sHLH group (P<0.05) . Varying degrees of edema, weight gain, hypotension, hypoproteinemia, oliguria and multiple serous effusions were observed in the CLS-sHLH group. Among them, there were 15 patients that CLS get improved, and the medial time of improvement was 7 (5-14) days. The other 6 patients did not get remission, while they died within 6-30 days. The median overall survival of the CLS-sHLH group was lower than that of the non-CLS-sHLH group (75 days vs not reached, P=0.031) . Conclusions: There may be no correlation between the cause of sHLH and the occurrence of CLS. Severity of neutropenia, fibrinogen and albumin levels, and triglyceride levels may be accompanied for sHLH patients complicated with CLS. Patients with sHLH who complicated with CLS have a poor prognosis. Active treatment of HLH and its primary disease, reasonable fluid replacement and oxygen supply are crucial, which can effectively control disease progression.

Incidence of Capillary Leak Syndrome as an Adverse Effect of Drugs in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Capillary leak syndrome (CLS) is a rare disease with profound vascular leakage, which can be associated with a high mortality. There have been several reports on CLS as an adverse effect of anti-cancer agents and therapy, but the incidence of CLS according to the kinds of anti-cancer drugs has not been systemically evaluated. Thus, the aim of our study was to comprehensively meta-analyze the incidence of CLS by different types of cancer treatment or after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). We searched the literatures (inception to July 2018) and among 4612 articles, 62 clinical trials (studies) were eligible. We extracted the number of patients with CLS, total cancer patients, name of therapeutic agent and dose, and type of cancer. We performed a meta-analysis to estimate the summary effects with 95% confidence interval and between-study heterogeneity. The reported incidence of CLS was categorized by causative drugs and BMT. The largest number of studies reported on CLS incidence during interleukin-2 (IL-2) treatment (n = 18), which yielded a pooled incidence of 34.7% by overall estimation and 43.9% by meta-analysis. The second largest number of studies reported on anti-cluster of differentiation (anti-CD) agents (n = 13) (incidence of 33.9% by overall estimation and 35.6% by meta-analysis) or undergoing BMT (n = 7 (21.1% by overall estimation and 21.7% by meta-analysis). Also, anti-cancer agents, including IL-2 + imatinib mesylate (three studies) and anti-CD22 monoclinal antibodies (mAb) (four studies), showed a dose-dependent increase in the incidence of CLS. Our study is the first to provide an informative overview on the incidence rate of reported CLS patients as an adverse event of anti-cancer treatment. This meta-analysis can lead to a better understanding of CLS and assist physicians in identifying the presence of CLS early in the disease course to improve the outcome and optimize management.

Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome (Clarkson Syndrome) in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

Systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) is a rare disease characterized by shock caused by capillary hyperpermeability. The disease can occur in cancer patients and effective therapeutic strategies have not been established yet. The aim of the study was to analyze the clinical and laboratory data, treatment modalities, and mortality rate of patients and to identify contributing factors leading to mortality of SCLS in cancer. We searched MEDLINE (inception to July 2018) and of 4612 articles, we identified 62 case reports on SCLS associated with cancer or cancer-related drugs in a total of 53 articles. SCLS was associated with cancer itself in 43.6%, with anti-cancer agents in 51.6% and bone marrow transplantation (BMT) in 4.8%. Among anti-cancer agents, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) was the most frequently associated drug (14.6%), followed by interleukin (IL)-2 (11.4%). The most common associated malignancies were hematologic (61.3%) with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (22.7%) and multiple myeloma (12.9%) being the leading causes. Common symptoms and signs included dyspnea (27.4%), edema (67.7%), hypotension (32.2%), pleural effusion (29.0%), ascites (22.7%), oliguria (22.7%), and weight gain (21.0%). Patients with SCLS were treated with steroids (59.7%), volume replacement (33.8%), diuretics (24.2%), inotropes (9.6%), methylxanthines (12.8%), β2 agonists (4.8%), while intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) were administered in 2 patients (3.2%) only. Among sixteen deaths during follow-up, four were directly attributed to SCLS. Hematologic malignancies were associated with an increased risk for mortality (hazard ratio (HR) 8.820, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.126–69.063, p = 0.038). Taken together, SCLS can be one important adverse event in cancer patients and careful monitoring of fluid volume is required in the management of SCLS.

Capillary leak syndrome and aseptic meningitis in a patient with Kawasaki disease: A case report

RATIONALE

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute vasculitis of childhood, coronary complications are the most serious and classic complications of this disease. However, simultaneous complications such as systemic capillary leak syndrome (CLS) and aseptic meningitis are rarely reported.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 19-month-old boy had continuous fever for 6 days, rash for 3 days, and somnolence for 1 day.

DIAGNOSES

The boy was diagnosed with KD presenting with SCLS and aseptic meningitis.

INTERVENTIONS

He was treated with gamma globulin (2 g/kg) for 1 day, mannitol and furosemide to reduce intracranial pressure, human albumin to correct hypoproteinemia, methylprednisolone to control inflammation, and both aspirin and dipyridamole for anticoagulation.

OUTCOMES

After treatment, the patient recovered well. At one year follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic and showed no recurrence of skin rash.

LESSONS

The incidence of KD has recently increased and cardiovascular complications are frequently reported. This may be combined with systemic damage, however, the combination of SCLS and aseptic meningitis is rarely reported, therefor, children who have SCLS, aseptic meningitis and unexplained fever >5 days, KD should be taken into account. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can reduce complications induced by KD.

Idiopathic systemic capillary leak syndrome presenting as septic shock: A case report

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic capillary leak syndrome (Clarkson's Disease) is a rare angiopathy with a heterogenous phenotype that may present as distributive shock refractory to resuscitative management.

OBJECTIVE

We report a case of idiopathic systemic capillary leak syndrome presenting as septic shock.

METHODS

Structured case report and review of the literature.

RESULTS

A 27-year old man admitted to our institution with coryzal symptoms rapidly deteriorated with presumed sepsis, leading to intensive care unit admission. Following further deterioration, Idiopathic systemic capillary leak syndrome was considered and intravenous immunoglobulin administered, resulting in rapid improvement in the patient's clinical status.

CONCLUSIONS

Idiopathic systemic capillary leak syndrome is a rare and potentially life-threatening angiopathy that may present as, and should be considered in, refractory distributive shock. Administration of intravenous immunglobulin resulted in rapid recovery in this patient, and has been associated with positive outcomes in previous cases.

The Role of Failing Autonomic Nervous System on Life-Threatening Idiopathic Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome

Idiopathic systemic capillary leak syndrome (ISCLS) is a rare disease that involves the endothelium and microcirculation, leading to an abrupt shift of fluids and proteins from the intravascular to the interstitial compartment. The consequence of the capillary leakage is a life-threatening hypovolemic shock that can lead to lethal multiple organ dysfunction. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is central in regulating the cardiovascular response to hypovolemia, but ANS modulation in ISCLS has not yet been investigated. Here, we report ANS activity during acute phase and recovery from a severe ISCLS shock and speculate on the possibility that autonomic mechanisms underlie the pathogenesis of attacks.

Recognition and management of idiopathic systemic capillary leak syndrome: an evidence-based review

INTRODUCTION

Idiopathic systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) is a unique disorder characterized by episodes of massive systemic leak of intravascular fluid leading to volume depletion and shock. A typical attack of SCLS consists of prodromal, leak and post-leak phases. Complications, such as compartment syndrome and pulmonary edema, usually develop during the leak and post-leak phases respectively. Judicious intravenous hydration and early use of vasopressors is the cornerstone of management in such cases. Areas covered: The purpose of the present review is to provide an up-to-date, evidence-based review of our understanding of SCLS and its management in the light of currently available evidence.

COMMENTARY

Idiopathic SCLS was first described in 1960 and, since then, more than 250 cases have been reported. A large number of cases have been reported over the past one decade, most likely due to improved recognition. In the acute care setting, most patients with SCLS are managed as per the Surviving Sepsis guidelines and receive aggressive volume resuscitation - which is not the optimal management strategy for such patients. There is a need to raise awareness amongst physicians and clinicians in order to improve recognition of this disorder and ensure its appropriate management.

Intravenous Immunoglobulins Improve Survival in Monoclonal Gammopathy-Associated Systemic Capillary-Leak Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Monoclonal gammopathy-associated systemic capillary-leak syndrome, also known as Clarkson disease, is a rare condition characterized by recurrent life-threatening episodes of capillary hyperpermeability in the context of a monoclonal gammopathy. This study was conducted to better describe the clinical characteristics, natural history, and long-term outcome of monoclonal gammopathy-associated systemic capillary-leak syndrome.

METHODS

We conducted a cohort analysis of all patients included in the European Clarkson disease (EurêClark) registry between January 1997 and March 2016. From diagnosis to last follow-up, studied outcomes (eg, the frequency and severity of attacks, death, and evolution toward multiple myeloma) and the type of preventive treatments administered were monitored every 6 months.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine patients (M/F sex ratio 1:1; mean ± SD age at disease onset 52 ± 12 years) were included in the study. All patients had monoclonal gammopathy of immunoglobulin G type, with kappa light chains in 47 (68%). Median (interquartile range) follow-up duration was 5.1 (2.5-9.7) years. Twenty-four patients (35%) died after 3.3 (0.9-8) years. Fifty-seven (86%) patients received at least one preventive treatment, including intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) n = 48 (73.8%), theophylline n = 22 (33.8%), terbutaline n = 22 (33.8%), and thalidomide n = 5 (7.7%). In the 65 patients with follow-up, 5- and 10-year survival rates were 78% (n = 35) and 69% (n = 17), respectively. Multivariate analysis found preventive treatment with IVIg (hazard ratio 0.27; 95% confidence interval, 0.10-0.70; P = .007) and terbutaline (hazard ratio 0.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.13-0.96; P = .041) to be independent predictors of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe the largest cohort to date of patients with well-defined monoclonal gammopathy-associated systemic capillary-leak syndrome. Preventive treatment with IVIg was the strongest factor associated with survival, suggesting the use of IVIg as the first line in prevention therapy.

Gemcitabine-induced chronic systemic capillary leak syndrome

A 56-year-old woman presented with anasarca, hypoalbuminaemia and hypotension following cycle 3 day 1 of adjuvant gemcitabine for stage II pancreatic cancer. Due to the temporal nature of presentation, suspicion for gemcitabine-induced capillary leak syndrome was included in the differential diagnosis. Vascular endothelial growth factor levels were elevated at 707 pg/mL (reference range: 9-86 pg/mL). Corticosteroids were initiated, resulting in complete resolution of symptoms and hypotension. The patient suffered relapse of symptoms on discontinuation of steroids, further supporting chronic capillary leak syndrome.

The Clinical Picture of Severe Systemic Capillary-Leak Syndrome Episodes Requiring ICU Admission

OBJECTIVE

Systemic capillary-leak syndrome is a very rare cause of recurrent hypovolemic shock. Few data are available on its clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, and outcomes of those patients requiring ICU admission. This study was undertaken to describe the clinical pictures and ICU management of severe systemic capillary-leak syndrome episodes.

DESIGN, SETTING, PATIENTS

This multicenter retrospective analysis concerned patients entered in the European Clarkson's disease (EurêClark) Registry and admitted to ICUs between May 1992 and February 2016.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Fifty-nine attacks occurring in 37 patients (male-to-female sex ratio, 1.05; mean ± SD age, 51 ± 11.4 yr) were included. Among 34 patients (91.9%) with monoclonal immunoglobulin G gammopathy, 20 (58.8%) had kappa light chains. ICU-admission hemoglobin and proteinemia were respectively median (interquartile range) 20.2 g/dL (17.9-22 g/dL) and 50 g/L (36.5-58.5 g/L). IV immunoglobulins were infused (IV immunoglobulin) during 15 episodes (25.4%). A compartment syndrome developed during 12 episodes (20.3%). Eleven (18.6%) in-ICU deaths occurred. Bivariable analyses (the 37 patients' last episodes) retained Sequential Organ-Failure Assessment score greater than 10 (odds ratio, 12.9 [95% CI, 1.2-140]; p = 0.04) and cumulated fluid-therapy volume greater than 10.7 L (odds ratio, 16.8 [1.6-180]; p = 0.02) as independent predictors of hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

We described the largest cohort of severe systemic capillary-leak syndrome flares requiring ICU admission. High-volume fluid therapy was independently associated with poorer outcomes. IV immunoglobulin use was not associated with improved survival; hence, their use should be considered prudently and needs further evaluation in future studies.

A Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome (Clarkson Syndrome) in a Patient with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Case Report in an Out-of-Hospital Setting

Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome (SCLS) is a rare disease with poor prognosis, characterized by the occurrence of mucocutaneous and visceral edema with hypotension, hemoconcentration, and unexpected hypoalbuminemia. The disease can be idiopathic (Clarkson syndrome) or secondary to other diseases and treatments. We describe this syndrome in a prehospitalized, 63-year-old patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and an idiopathic form of SCLS manifesting as hypovolemic shock. Initial care is hospitalization in intensive care. In addition to etiological treatment if fluid replacement is necessary, treatment must be closely monitored for secondary overload complications. Catecholamine rather than arrhythmogenic support may be associated.

Severe cerebral involvement due to idiopathic systemic capillary leak syndrome

The idiopathic systemic capillary leak syndrome (ISCLS) is a rare disorder, characterized by recurrent attacks of hypotension, hypoalbuminemia, and hemoconcentration, which is often misdiagnosed due to overlapping features with other diseases. Even though cerebral involvement is uncommon, a broad awareness is crucial, because of its life‐threatening character.

Idiopathic Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome: A Case Report

INTRODUCTION

Idiopathic systemic capillary leak syndrome (ISCLS) is rarely seen, and presents with recurrent episodes of hypotension, shock, hemoconcentration, and hypoproteinemia. The main pathology is the dysfunction of the vascular endothelium, and it is characterized by an increase of capillary permeability that is accompanied by the loss of intravascular fluid and protein.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a 58-year-old female who presented with peripheral edema, leg pain, and syncope at the emergency department. Interestingly demyemilising neuropathy, which is a rare finding, ensued on day 4. She is still being treated using intravenous immunoglobulin therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The early signs and symptoms of ISCLS may be subtle; therefore the diagnosis can easily be missed and prompt treatment of the syndrome may be postponed. Thus, the clinician must consider ISCLS in differential diagnosis in cases of hypotension, hemoconcentration, and hypoalbuminemia.

Influenza A virus infection is associated with systemic capillary leak syndrome: case report and systematic review of the literature

Systemic capillary leak syndrome is a rare and potentially lethal disorder characterized by episodes of vascular hyperpermeability, which lead to shock. Although the pathogenesis is unknown, some viral infections can act as triggers. We present the first case associated with influenza A virus in adulthood, perform a literature review and discuss its treatment.