Tocilizumab as an Adjuvant Therapy for Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Associated With Visceral Leishmaniasis

Am J Ther. 2016 Sep-Oct;23(5):e1193-6. doi: 10.1097/MJT.0000000000000035.

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is important as a cause of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and must be considered and excluded in patients with HLH because it can cause severe or even fatal complications. When HLH is present, there is a deficient downregulation of the immune response, leading to an uncontrolled inflammation. We report a case of visceral leishmaniasis-HLH where the therapy with tocilizumab, targeting interleukin 6, help to regulate the immune response for the infection of Leishmania.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / administration & dosage*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / pharmacology
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / complications*
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / drug therapy
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / immunology
  • Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic / drug therapy*
  • Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic / etiology
  • Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic / immunology
  • Receptors, Interleukin-6 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptors, Interleukin-6 / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Receptors, Interleukin-6
  • tocilizumab