Visceral leishmaniasis and haemophagocytic syndrome in an Omani child

Khalfan Al Sineidi, Yasser A. Wali*, Anil V. Pathare, Zakia Al Lamki

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The paper reports the case of a previously healthy 4-year-old-girl who presented with pallor, fever and hepatosplenomegaly. Laboratory findings included pancytopenia, hypertriglyceridemia and hyperferritinemia. Initial diagnosis of kala-azar could not be confirmed because of the absence of clinical evidence, negativity of bone marrow aspiration or specific serology for visceral leishmaniasis. Repeated marrow aspiration, performed due lack of clinical response, revealed histiocytes showing haemophagocytosis consistent with haemophagocytic lymphohistocytosis (HLH) and appropriate treatment was started. She continued to have high-grade fever, and a third bone marrow aspiration ultimately revealed presence of Leishmania amastigotes with evidence of active haemophagocytosis. The girl was treated with liposomal amphotericin (AmBisome) for 5 days, following which she recovered rapidly with definitive remission.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)45-48
Number of pages4
JournalSultan Qaboos University Medical Journal
Volume4
Issue number1-2
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2002

Keywords

  • Haemophagocytic syndrome
  • Oman
  • Visceral leishmaniasis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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