Three pediatric cases of Staphylococcus aureus-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

ObjectiveTo summarize the clinical features of Staphylococcus aureus-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (SA-HLH) and the characteristics of the isolates, with the aim of improving clinicians' understanding of the disease and optimizing treatment.Study designThe clinical data of all children with SA-HLH admitted to Beijing Children's Hospital of Capital Medical University were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsThe study included 3 children, with a male to female ratio of 2:1, who presented with persistent fever, decreased platelets and hemoglobin, and macrophage engulfment of blood cells on pathological smears. One child had a significant reduction in inflammatory factors after plasma exchange therapy, and two children with congenital heart disease had a poor prognosis and eventually died.ConclusionChildren with SA-HLH are more severely ill and have a higher morbidity and mortality rate. The presence of underlying disease may be a high-risk factor that predisposes to SA-HLH and poor prognosis, which should be taken seriously.