Pregnancy-Induced Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare but devastating disease characterized by dysregulated immune response and hyperinflammation. To our knowledge, pregnancy-induced HLH has been rarely reported in the literature. A 30-year-old pregnant woman presented persistent fever for 21 days since 17 weeks of pregnancy. The possible etiologies such as infection, autoimmune disorder, and malignancy had been ruled out based on a series of exhaustive examinations. The disease progressed despite the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and dexamethasone. The patient was diagnosed as pregnancy-induced HLH, and finally recovered completely after termination of pregnancy by caesarean and the continuous use of glucocorticoid which played a crucial part in controlling hyperinflammation. Pregnancy-induced HLH could be fatal if effective treatment was not initiated timely. Further studies are needed to improve early diagnosis and etiology identification of HLH.