Visceral leishmaniasis and haemophagocytic syndrome in an Omani child

Journal Title: Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal - Year 2002, Vol 4, Issue 1

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.

Authors and Affiliations

Khalfan Al Sineidi| Department of Child Health (Haematology/Oncology Unit), College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O.Box: 35, Al Khod-123, Sultanate of Oman. Department of Haematology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, P.O.Box: 38, Al Khod-123, Sultanate of Oman, Yasser A. Wali| Department of Child Health (Haematology/Oncology Unit), College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O.Box: 35, Al Khod-123, Sultanate of Oman. Department of Haematology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, P.O.Box: 38, Al Khod-123, Sultanate of Oman, Anil V. Pathare| Department of Child Health (Haematology/Oncology Unit), College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O.Box: 35, Al Khod-123, Sultanate of Oman. Department of Haematology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, P.O.Box: 38, Al Khod-123, Sultanate of Oman, Zakia Al Lamki| Department of Child Health (Haematology/Oncology Unit), College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O.Box: 35, Al Khod-123, Sultanate of Oman. Department of Haematology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, P.O.Box: 38, Al Khod-123, Sultanate of Oman

Keywords

Related Articles

Cardiac Markers in the Early Diagnosis and Management of Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

Chest pain is a non-specifc complaint and is the most frequent reason for patients seeking urgent medical attention. A small group of these patients will have acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Te current diagnostic and t...

Prevalence of Rabies in Various Species in Yemen and Risk Factors Contributing to the Spread of the Disease

Objectives: Tis study aimed to describe for the frst time the prevalence of the passively-reported rabies virus among different domestic and wild animals submitted to the Central Veterinary Laboratory from various are...

Ruptured Rudimentary Horn Pregnancy Diagnosed by Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Resulting in Fetal Salvage

Pregnancy in a rudimentary horn is very rare. Te rupture of the horn during pregnancy is an obstetric emergency which can be life-threatening for both the mother and fetus. Preoperative diagnosis of such pregnancies ca...

Ovarian Hernia A rarity

Ovarian hernias are extremely rare. Te prevalence of ovaries and fallopian tubes in operable inguinal hernias is only about 2.9%. We report here an unusual case of an ovary in a hernia sac in an adult female. She prese...

Diabetes Mellitus-Related Knowledge among University Students in Ajman, United Arab Emirates

Objectives: Te aim of this study was to assess diabetes mellitus (DM)-related knowledge and practices among university students enrolled in non-health care related professional courses in the United Arab Emirates. Meth...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP13663
  • DOI -
  • Views 348
  • Downloads 17

How To Cite

Khalfan Al Sineidi, Yasser A. Wali, Anil V. Pathare, Zakia Al Lamki (2002). Visceral leishmaniasis and haemophagocytic syndrome in an Omani child. Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal, 4(1), 45-48. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-13663