Presenting manifestations of hemophagocytic syndrome in a male patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) is an unusual but sometimes fatal disorder. We reported a case of 21-year-old man who developed HPS and SLE simultaneously. Febrile pancytopenia, hyperferritinemia, and abnormal liver function tests were observed. Hemophagocytic cells were observed by means of bone marrow biopsy and diagnosed as HPS. The patient was treated with high-dose prednisolone, resulting in an excellent outcome. Early diagnosis of HPS by bone marrow biopsy is important for the successful treatment.