The role of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and Epstein-Barr virus infection on the treatment for child primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis patients with X-linked lymphoproliferative disease: A rare case report and family survey study

Pediatr Transplant. 2020 Jun;24(4):e13635. doi: 10.1111/petr.13635. Epub 2020 Feb 3.

Abstract

XLP-2 is known as a rare primary immunodeficiency disease, which is characterized by the susceptibility to EBV infection and potential development into the pHLH. The existing studies believe that the dysfunction of XIAP represents one of the most significant pathogenic mechanisms of XLP-2, and allo-HSCT is regarded as a crucial treatment for the long-term survival in XLP-2 patients. In our present study, a 2-year-old male patient was diagnosed with XLP-2. After receiving chemotherapy by using HLH-2004 without allo-HSCT, he reached a complete remission, and his EBV load was brought under control. Our family survey revealed a novel frameshift mutation in the XIAP gene in this patient, as well as in his cousin and grandfather. Until now, the patient has been followed up for 22 months with no recurrence reported yet. Based on these findings, it is believed that for child pHLH patients with XLP-2, the treatment by controlling symptoms alone without allo-HSCT and with regular monitoring of EBV load could be conducive to a long-term survival.

Keywords: Epstein-Barr virus; X-linked lymphoproliferative disease; allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis; novel gene mutation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / complications*
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / genetics
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic / complications*
  • Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic / genetics
  • Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic / surgery*
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / complications*
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / genetics
  • Male
  • Transplantation, Homologous