An Analysis of Children With Brucellosis Associated With Haemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis

Abstract

This retrospective study included seven paediatric cases aged from 4 to 14 (10.2±3.4) years with pathologically proved haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis from a single institution during 2009 and 2013. Over this time period, 496 patients with brucellosis were diagnosed. None of the patients (3 boys and 4 girls) had a history of any haematologic disorder. All patients had an anamnesis for recently consumed unpasteurised homemade dairy products or had a contact history with sheep and/or cows. The diagnosis of brucellosis was confirmed by standard tube agglutination test in all patients; titres were 1: 1280 in seven patients. Blood culture was positive for Brucella melitensis in three patients (42%). Bone marrow cultures were positive for B. melitensis in four patients (57%). Fever was present in all patients (100%) with haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. The other most common symptoms were malaise, myalgia, anorexia, sweating and weight loss. In addition, sweating was observed in five patients, and lymphadenopathy, petechiae, and weight loss were observed in one patient. Hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and hepatosplenomegaly were found in four (57%), six (85%) and four (57%), patients, respectively. Haemophagocytosis was documented in bone marrow examinations of all children except in two cases. All patients recovered completely, and their peripheral blood counts returned to normal by 2 to 4 weeks after antibiotic treatment of brucellosis.