Rapidly Fatal Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Developing Within Six Days Following Deceased-Donor Renal Transplantation: Case Report

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis after solid organ transplantation: A challenge for clinicians

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare inflammatory disorder with a high mortality rate and a wide range of symptoms. Solid organ transplantation, which provides patients with a unique immunosuppressive state, is a less common predisposing factor for HLH. HLH after solid organ transplantation (HLH-SOT) is very rare and fatal. It is hard to diagnose and treat and extremely understudied. The use of immunosuppressants makes the situation of HLH-SOT more complex. This review summarizes the existing literature on HLH after solid organ transplantation and describes its triggers and symptoms, focusing on its diagnosis and treatment. We performed a literature search of case reports, case series, letters to the editor, and clinical quizzes describing patients with HLH after solid organ transplantation (HLH-SOT). We provide recommendations on the diagnosis protocol and treatment strategy based on the existing evidence.

Hemophagocytic syndrome triggered by donor-transmitted toxoplasmosis as a complication in same-donor recipients of renal transplantation: Case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) is an infrequent complication of transplantation caused by an inflammatory response with a benign proliferation of macrophages and defective lytic capability of T lymphocytes and NK cells that can lead to multiorgan failure. Transplant patients are particularly exposed as a result of the increased risk of both infections and malignancies derived from immunosuppressive drugs. There is no consensus for therapy or immunosuppression; mortality is high. We report a case and present a review of all cases of HPS occurring in solid organ transplant recipients.  CASE REPORT: We report two cases of infection by Toxoplasma gondii transmitted by the kidney allograft. One of the recipients was seronegative before transplantation and developed disseminated primary toxoplasmosis. An immune reaction compatible with an HPS ensued. Both were treated with Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, immunosuppression was tapered, and after a 2-week period a complete response was obtained.

CONCLUSION

HPS presents therapeutic challenges in the context of transplantation. If HPS is suspected, the search of a very likely underlying infection should be central to the management.

Linfohistiocitosis hemofagocítica en trasplante renal

La linfohistiocitosis hemofagocítica (LHH) posterior al trasplante renal hace referencia a un estado hiperinflamatorio grave, asociado a la activación no controlada de los linfocitos T citotóxicos y macrófagos por causa infecciosas y/o secundaria al tratamiento inmunosupresor. Las causas más prevalentes dentro de las infecciones son la histoplasmosis, la tuberculosis y las infecciones por virus herpes. Se caracteriza por fiebre, organomegalias, citopenias, hiperferritinemia, hipertrigliceridemia y/o hipofibrinogenemia; puede acompañarse con hemofagocitosis documentada en la médula ósea, el hígado u otros órganos. Su curso puede ser fulminante con progresión a falla multisistémica y la muerte.El tratamiento va enfocado a controlar tempranamente la causa desencadenante, reducir la inmunosupresión y controlar la inflamación. En pocos casos es necesario el uso de otros inmunosupresores, quimioterapia o, en situaciones muy seleccionadas, se puede requerir el trasplante de médula ósea.

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia: An unusual presentation of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in a pediatric post-liver transplant patient

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare condition characterized by immune dysfunction with uncontrolled activation of macrophages and hypersecretion of cytokines, has only been reported in a small number of pediatric patients following solid organ transplant (SOT). The diagnosis of HLH after SOT is especially difficult, as several of the diagnostic criteria, including fever, splenomegaly, and cytopenias, are nonspecific and can be seen with other post-transplant complications. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) has also been reported after pediatric SOT and is thought to be related to immunosuppression, specifically tacrolimus. Although HLH and AIHA have been separately described following SOT, there have been no reports of them occurring together in post-liver transplant (LT) patients. We report the first case of autoimmune hemolysis as the presenting symptom of HLH in a pediatric post-LT patient.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, a rare condition in renal transplant - a case report

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an uncommon and life-threating condition characterized by major immune activation and massive cytokine production by mononuclear inflammatory cells, due to defects in cytotoxic lymphocyte function. It is even more unusual in renal transplant recipients, in which it is often associated with uncontrolled infection. The mortality is high in HLH and differential diagnosis with sepsis is a challenge. The approach and management depend on the underlying trigger and comorbidities. We report a case of a 50-year-old renal transplant female admitted with fever and malaise 3 months post-transplant and presenting anemia, fever, hypertriglyceridemia, high levels of serum ferritin, and positive CMV antigenemia. Urine was positive for decoy cells and BKV-DNA. Graft biopsy showed CMV nephritis. Both blood and urine cultures where positive for E. coli. Hemophagocytosis was confirmed by bone marrow aspiration. Immunosuppression was reduced, and the patient received high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin and dexamethasone, with complete response after 3 weeks. We highlight the importance of early diagnosis and proper management of a rare and serious condition in a renal transplant patient, which can allow a favorable clinical course and improve survival rate.