[Transfusion-related acute lung injury during the treatment of EBV-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis]

Rinsho Ketsueki. 2013 Apr;54(4):378-82.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a severe pulmonary complication following blood transfusions. We experienced a case of possible TRALI during the course of EBV-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (EBV-HLH). A 19-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital suffering from fever and abdominal pain. Her laboratory data revealed pancytopenia, liver damage, coagulopathy, and a high titer of EBV-DNA. Computed tomography showed hepatosplenomegaly and bone marrow aspiration revealed hemophagocytosis and the proliferation of atypical lymphocytes. A diagnosis of EBV-HLH was made and plasma exchange was performed. Severe hypoxia due to pulmonary edema developed two hours after starting the plasma transfusion. Methylprednisolone pulse therapy and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation ameliorated her respiratory condition. Anti-HLA class I and II antibodies were detected in donor sera and a cross-match test between patient lymphocytes and donor plasma was positive. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of TRALI complicated with EBV-HLH. It is possible that hypercytokinemia accompanied by HLH was associated with the onset of TRALI.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Lung Injury / etiology*
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / complications
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / diagnosis
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / immunology*
  • Female
  • Fever
  • HLA Antigens / blood
  • Humans
  • Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic / etiology
  • Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic / immunology
  • Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic / therapy*
  • Pulmonary Edema / complications
  • Transfusion Reaction*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • HLA Antigens