Dengue and haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

Abstract

Dengue is characterized by biphasic fever, myalgia or arthralgia, rash, leukopenia, and lymphadenopathy. It is self-limiting, and dengue-associated haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis has been reported in fewer than 20 children worldwide. We report the case of a 4-y-old boy with dengue who continued to have fever for 30 days, with hepatomegaly, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia. Bone marrow examination showed haemophagocytes. The child was treated with steroids, instead etoposide and oral cyclosporine.

Keywords::

• Dengue
• hemophagocytosis
• hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
• HLH
• children

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.