Open AccessEpstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome mimicking severe sepsis
Author(s) -
Talya Spivack,
Rashmi Chawla,
Paul E. Marik
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of emergencies, trauma and shock
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.313
H-Index - 29
eISSN - 0974-519X
pISSN - 0974-2700
DOI - 10.4103/0974-2700.43198
Subject(s) - sepsis , medicine , systemic inflammatory response syndrome , intensive care unit , intensive care medicine , immunology , cause of death , disease
Severe sepsis is amongst the most common reasons for admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) throughout the world and is a common cause of death. The diagnosis of sepsis is usually straightforward, being based on a constellation of clinical and laboratory features. Noninfectious disorders, including pancreatitis, drug reactions, and autoimmune disorders, may cause a systemic inflammatory response that mimics sepsis. We present the case of a 32-year-old male with Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome who presented to the ICU with features of severe sepsis which progressed to multisystem organ failure and death despite aggressive supportive measures.