Open AccessKaposi Sarcoma Inflammatory Cytokine Syndrome (KICS): A Rare but Potentially Treatable Condition
Author(s) -
Karass Michael,
Grossniklaus Emily,
Seoud Talal,
Jain Sanjay,
Goldstein Daniel A.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
the oncologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.176
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1549-490X
pISSN - 1083-7159
DOI - 10.1634/theoncologist.2016-0237
Subject(s) - medicine , sepsis , acute respiratory distress , sarcoma , cytokine , respiratory distress , immunology , systemic inflammatory response syndrome , tumor necrosis factor alpha , pathology , surgery , lung
Kaposi sarcoma inflammatory cytokine syndrome (KICS) is a newly‐described condition affecting individuals who are HIV‐positive and are infected with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV‐8). This is a syndrome that in some ways mimics severe sepsis with associated acute respiratory distress syndrome, possibly requiring a ventilator and vasopressor support. However, unlike severe sepsis, antibiotics provide no benefit. Management of KICS has not been fully elucidated because of its high mortality rate. However, the syndrome has been successfully treated in some cases with immunomodulatory therapy. It is crucial for oncologists to be able to recognize this syndrome and to institute the appropriate therapy.