Rapid regression of lymphadenopathy upon rapamycin treatment in a child with autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is a genetic disorder of the immune system caused by inadequate induction of apoptosis via the Fas pathway, mainly characterized by generalized lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and autoimmune cytopenias, as well as increased risk of lymphoma. Although the clinical course of ALPS is highly variable, without treatment long‐term prognosis is unsatisfactory for most patients. ALPS has been treated with most of the existing immunosuppressive agents, with variable success. We hereby present a case of a child with ALPS whose greatly enlarged lymph nodes rapidly regressed upon initiation of rapamycin, a novel potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of ALPS. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:1117–1119. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Mycophenolate mofetil as an alternate immunosuppressor for autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is a disorder due to a genetic defect concerning programmed cell death (apoptosis). Most patients are carriers of a heterozygous mutation affecting the TNFRSF6 (Fas). Treatment of autoimmune complications of ALPS includes corticosteroids, gamma-globulin infusions, and in refractory cases, splenectomy, cytostatic agents, and bone marrow transplantation. A 10-year-old boy with ALPS manifested by recurrent febrile episodes, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and cytopenias refractory to corticosteroid therapy is presented. Treatment with mycophenolate mofetil, an immunosuppressive agent typically used in organ transplantation was initiated. This treatment was successful with resolution of thrombocytopenia, decrease in lymphadenopathy, and improvement of his general clinical condition for over 2 years of duration.     

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS): a case with congenital onset.

We describe a case of autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS), which is very unusual with regard to a clinical onset soon after birth, and a clinical picture dominated by splenomegaly, jaundice, and consumptive peripheral blood cytopenias, with minimal lymphadenopathy. Our documented close follow up demonstrated initial involvement of the spleen, followed by involvement of the bone marrow and the peripheral blood. The patient underwent bone marrow transplant and is alive and well 20 months after diagnosis.     

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome, a disorder of apoptosis

Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (ALPS) is a recently recognized disease in which a genetic defect in programmed cell death, or apoptosis, leads to breakdown of lymphocyte homeostasis and normal immunologic tolerance. Some authors have referred to ALPS as Canale-Smith syndrome or lymphoproliferative syndrome with autoimmunity. Patients with ALPS have chronic enlargement of the spleen and lymph nodes, various manifestations of autoimmunity, and elevation of a normally rare population of "double negative T cells" (DNTs), T lymphocytes bearing alpha beta T cell receptors and expressing neither cluster differentiation (CD)4 nor CD8 surface antigens. When lymphocytes from patients with ALPS are cultured in vitro, they are resistant to apoptosis as compared to cells from healthy controls. Most patients with ALPS have mutations in a gene now named TNFRSF6 (tumor necrosis factor receptor gene superfamily member 6). This gene, previously known as apoptosis antigen 1 (APT1), encodes the cell surface receptor for the major apoptosis pathway in mature lymphocytes; this receptor has also had many names, including Fas (to be used here), CD95, and APO-1. ALPS is subdivided into: 1) Type Ia, ALPS with mutant Fas; 2) Type Ib, lymphadenopathy and mutation in the ligand for Fas in one patient with systemic lupus erythematosus; 3) Type II, ALPS with mutant caspase 10; and 4) Type III, ALPS as yet without any defined genetic cause.     

Accessory spleen: Differential diagnosis for lymphoma in autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome

Mutations of Fas or, less frequently, Fas ligand genes result in a rare inherited lymphoid disorder called autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) in which lymphoma frequency is increased. We report on a patient with ALPS who had been splenectomized for giant splenomegaly and progressively developed a voluminous abdominal tumor. The histology of the removed tumor revealed that it was an accessory spleen exhibiting typical features of ALPS involvement, as shown by the presence of a large excess of CD3⁺CD4^?CD8^? T cells and plasma cells without a detectable monoclonal population. This observation highlights the lymphoma's differential diagnosis in this context. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:1020–1022 © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

自身免疫性淋巴细胞增殖综合征1例报告并文献复习

报道1例自身免疫性淋巴细胞增殖综合征的临床特点、诊断、治疗及随访,提高国内儿科医生对该病的认识。方法　2009年5月中山大学附属第一医院收治1例自身免疫性淋巴细胞增殖综合征患儿,回顾分析该患儿临床资料及诊疗过程,复习国内外相关文献。结果　患儿1岁11个月,以全血细胞减少、肝脾淋巴结肿大为主要临床表现,并有肾小球肾炎、炎症性肠病的临床表现,CD3+且CD4、CD8双阴性细胞比例明显升高,伴PaIgG、ANA、ANCA、胰岛素自身抗体等抗体阳性。Fas、FasL及Casp10基因检测未发现基因突变。糖皮质激素联合其他免疫抑制剂治疗短期效果明显,但激素减量时易反复。结论　本病例在临床上诊断自身免疫性淋巴增殖综合征可成立。提高对本病的认识可以减少误诊率。     

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS): a rare cause of immune cytopenia

Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is an inherited disorder manifesting with autoimmune cytopenia, lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. The differential diagnosis includes infections, autoimmune disorders or malignancies. The disease is characterized by accumulation of double negative (CD3+ CD4- CD8-) T cells (DNT) in the peripheral blood. We describe a case and review the literature.     

双阴性T细胞检测在自身免疫性淋巴细胞增生综合征诊断中的重要性：1例报告并文献复习

目的 提高对自身免疫性淋巴细胞增生综合征（ALPS）的认识、减少漏诊,并认识TCRαβ＋ CD3＋ CD4-CD8-T细胞（DNTs）检测在本病诊断中的重要性.方法 对1例ALPS患者资料进行临床分析及文献复习.结果 该例患儿反复发生溶血性贫血、血小板减少.通过颈部淋巴结活检、骨髓形态及病理、染色体核型及DNTs比例、免疫球蛋白定量检测,发现患儿病史长达7年余,反复发生溶血性贫血、血小板减少、淋巴结及肝脾肿大.外周血DNTs比例为8.99％（＞5％）,1gG升高.糖皮质激素治疗有效.结论 临床上出现无法解释的淋巴结肿大、肝脾肿大及自身免疫性溶血、血小板减少的患者应考虑ALPS可能,外周血DNTs比例检测有助于ALPS的早期诊断.     

Splenectomy in two children with autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome and massive splenomegaly

Treatment of patients with ALPS has varied but presently there is no consensus about the optimal therapy. Splenectomy is an option but data regarding the postsplenectomy outcome in pediatric ALPS patients remain very limited. We present two children who suffered from anemia and physical discomfort from the large spleen. Both patients underwent uneventful splenectomy and experienced significant improvement in cytopenia, daily activity and well‐being. Furthermore the youngest patient showed a significant catch‐up growth. We conclude that in selected patients with marked splenomegaly and ALPS, splenectomy may be considered a treatment option. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:1124–1126. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome. A human disorder of abnormal lymphocyte survival

The importance of Fas in the homeostatic balance between lymphocyte survival and death is underscored by the three main consequences of defective Fas-mediated apoptosis, as experienced by patients with ALPS: (1) abnormal accumulation of lymphocytes results in lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and hypersplenism; (2) failure of removal of potentially autoreactive lymphocytes, a process normally used to eliminate lymphocytes that have escaped negative selection in the thymus and bone marrow (see article by Fleisher and Blessing, p. 1197), is associated with the appearance of autoimmune manifestations; and (3) inappropriate survival of lymphocytes may lead to the development of malignancies. As with other "experiments of nature," the many aspects of ALPS have provided valuable new insights into the immune system and the importance of a proper balance between life and death of lymphocytes. ALPS is an example of how a mouse disease model was applied directly to the identification of the molecular basis and the understanding of a remarkable disease in humans. It is also an example of clinical observations being linked to basic scientific data to unlock the underlying defect(s) causing a disease. Despite the difficulty in fully understanding the complex nature of the clinical course, the immunologic abnormalities, and the genetic aspects of ALPS, the accumulated experience in diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients and relatives has generated a "road map" that can be used as a guide for their care. As examples, the appreciation that manifestations of lymphoproliferation usually subside over time has allowed a "wait-and-see" approach in many patients who might previously have been treated aggressively. The appreciation that these patients are at increased risk for malignancies has mandated the adoption of careful and lifelong follow-up. Future efforts directed at careful clinical follow-up and scientific investigation are required to learn more about the incidence and natural history of ALPS, therapeutic interventions directed at altering the consequences of TNFRSF6 mutations, and the identification of other genetic and environmental factors that may have a role in the pathogenesis of ALPS.     

Anémie hémolytique auto-immune et dysérythropoïèse révélatrices d'un déficit de l'apoptose Fas chez 3 enfants

Defective apoptosis caused by mutations of the Fas gene can lead to an autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS). The main autoimmune manifestations are haematological: hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. We described 3 patients with ALPS presenting as a lymphoproliferative syndrome associated with a Coomb's negative autoimmune hemolytic anemia and dyserythropoiesis predominating on the more mature erythroblasts. Fas apoptosis deficiency was evidenced in the 3 patients by the demonstration of an increased number of CD4(-)CD8(-)TCRalphabeta(+) T cells, a decreased apoptotic response of activated T lymphocytes to anti-Apo 1-3 monoclonal antibody and the presence of a heterozygous mutation of the Fas receptor gene.     

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目的报道1例自身免疫性淋巴细胞增殖综合征的临床特点、诊断、治疗及随访,提高国内儿科医生对该病的认识。方法 2009年5月中山大学附属第一医院收治1例自身免疫性淋巴细胞增殖综合征患儿,回顾分析该患儿临床资料及诊疗过程,复习国内外相关文献。结果患儿1岁11个月,以全血细胞减少、肝脾淋巴结肿大为主要临床表现,并有肾小球肾炎、炎症性肠病的临床表现,CD3+且CD4、CD8双阴性细胞比例明显升高,伴PaIgG、ANA、ANCA、胰岛素自身抗体等抗体阳性。Fas、FasL及Casp10基因检测未发现基因突变。糖皮质激素联合其他免疫抑制剂治疗短期效果明显,但激素减量时易反复。结论本病例在临床上诊断自身免疫性淋巴增殖综合征可成立。提高对本病的认识可以减少误诊率。     

Response to steroid therapy in autism secondary to autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome

We report a child who developed autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) secondary to a heterozygous dominant negative mutation in the death domain of the Fas receptor. Previously developmentally normal, he had symptoms of autism with rapid regression in developmental milestones coincident with the onset of lymphoproliferation and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Low-dose steroid therapy induced early and complete remission in the ALPS phenotype. There was subjective improvement, followed by objective improvement in speech and developmental milestones. We propose that autism may be part of the autoimmune disease spectrum of ALPS in this child, and this case represents a novel manifestation and target organ involvement in this disease.     

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients, report of five cases and review of the literature

Cytopenias are common among pediatric SOT; however, autoimmune cytopenias are infrequently reported. We report five cases of autoimmune cytopenias in pediatric LT patients: two with isolated IgG-mediated AIHA, two with ITP, and one with Evans syndrome (ITP and AIHA). All patients were maintained on tacrolimus as immunosuppression. Viral illness commonly preceded the autoimmune cytopenias. All patients responded well to medical therapy (steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and rituximab) and lowering tacrolimus serum level. Prognosis appears to be worse when more than one cell line (e.g., Evans syndrome) is affected, and/or there is no preceding viral illness. A critical literature review of autoimmune cytopenias in children following SOT is conducted. Autoimmune cytopenias are a rarely reported complication of pediatric SOT, but clinicians taking care of pediatric transplant recipients need to be aware of this complication.     

Various initial presentations of Epstein‐Barr virus infection‐associated post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder in pediatric liver transplantation recipients: Case series and literature review

PTLD is a rare but potentially life‐threatening condition, which shows a higher prevalence in children than in adults. From 129 children who underwent LT, we reported 5 cases with biopsy‐proven PTLD at a single teaching hospital. Four patients had shared clinical presentations including fever, lymphadenopathy, and splenomegaly. They were noted to be given a prolonged course of IS due to the management of comorbid complications such as acute cellular rejection or severe food allergy or eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease. The other one patient presented with upper gastrointestinal bleeding from gastric mass during an early post‐transplantation period. Notably, hypoalbuminemia was noted in all reported patients. Similar to previous studies, both EBV serology mismatch between the donor and recipient with high EBV viral load were noted in all except one case, whose EBV serology was unknown before LT. At least one episode of CMV reactivation was also observed in 3 of 5 patients prior to the PTLD diagnosis. The histopathology revealed 1 of 5 early PTLD, 1 of 5 polymorphic PTLD, and 3 of 5 monomorphic PTLD. The treatment included IS withdrawal, chemotherapy, and/or rituximab. One patient died of multiorgan dysfunction, one remains in complete remission, and three patients are either still on treatment or await response evaluation. Even though most of our reported PTLD cases had shared manifestations with fever, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, EBV serology mismatch, and high EBV viral load, various initial presentations such as respiratory symptoms, hypoalbuminemia, and prolonged use of IS from other causes such as significant food allergy were noted.     

儿童嗜酸性淋巴肉芽肿的临床特点与治疗

目的 探讨儿童嗜酸性淋巴肉芽肿（ELG）的临床特点和诊治方法，以提高对本病的认识。方法 回顾性分析5例ELG患儿的临床特征、实验室检查、病理、治疗及疗效，并进行相关文献复习。结果 ELG5例均为男童，主要表现为多发性皮肤软组织肿块和淋巴结大，其中1例并肾病综合征，2例有反复湿疹样皮疹，1例2次发生喘息性支气管炎，患儿均无肝脾大，生长发育良好。最初单纯化疗4例均复发，经配合局部放疗或加用环孢素（CsA）等治疗后未复发。结论 儿童ELG临床及病理特点与成人相似，但儿童发病较少。单纯化疗易复发，配合放疗、手术、应用CsA等综合治疗可提高疗效。     

Abdominal Sonographic Findings at Primary Diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Children: A Comparison with Different Clinical Risk Factors

We evaluated the presence of abdominal organomegaly and lymphadenopathy with ultrasound in 92 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) prior to chemotherapy, and compared these findings with the different immunophenotypes, age groups, and white blood cell (WBC) counts as well as the survival of the patients and the clinical findings of organomegaly. All the patients (n = 13) with a WBC higher than 50/μL showed intra-abdominal pathology compared with the patients with a low WBC, of whom 37% (n = 18) had normal scans. The children with a high WBC count also had hepatomegaly (P = 0.003) and splenomegaly (P = 0.06) significantly more often, and showed high echogenicity of the kidneys (P = 0.001). Lymphadenopathy was found significantly more often in children with T-cell leukemia (P = 0.005). The younger age groups (0 to 2 and 2 to 5 years of age) had hepatomegaly significantly more often (P = 0.02), and the youngest age group (0 to 2 years) showed increased echogenicity of the kidneys more often (P = 0.04). Ultrasound showed hepatomegaly in 14 patients and splenomegaly in 23 patients who were assessed clinically as normal. According to our results, abdominal ultrasound is a useful tool for evaluating abdominal organomegaly and the extra-medullary leukemic burden and can give information that is not available in clinical examination. There was no statistical association between the primary ultrasonographic findings and the patients' later survival.     

Pentostatin for treatment of refractory autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS), a disorder of programmed cell death, could be due to a congenital defect in the Fas signaling pathway or other pathways for apoptosis. Most cases present with lymphoproliferation and certain autoimmune features such as thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and anemia are due to excessive production of antibodies by B lymphocytes. Majority of cases present within the first few years of life. We report a case of ALPS presenting at birth which was refractory to splenectomy and immunosuppressive therapy, but responded to pentostatin followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).     

Detection of cancer in the pediatric emergency department

We reviewed the Tumor Registry for 1981 at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to identify all the children with newly diagnosed cancer who were seen initially in the emergency department (ED). Of the 220 new patients listed, 16 (7.3%) sought initial care in the ED (1 per 4,500 ED visits). Seven had leukemia, five had non-CNS solid tumors (2 lymphoreticular, 1 Wilms', 1 neuroblastoma, and 1 ovarian), and four had CNS tumors. Among the children with leukemia, pallor (6) and decreased activity (4) were the most common complaints. Duration of symptoms ranged from 4 days to 3 weeks. Physical examination showed pallor (5), splenomegaly (4), fever (3), hepatomegaly (3), lymphadenopathy (3), and ecchymoses or petechiae (2). The complete blood count and peripheral smears were all abnormal. The five patients with non-CNS solid tumors had symptoms related to the location of their neoplasms. The patients with Wilms' tumor, neuroblastoma, and ovarian dysgerminoma had abdominal masses; the patient with lymphoma had a large, painful inguinal node; and the patient with histiocytosis X had an infiltrative rash, gingivitis, and pneumonitis. Of the four children with CNS tumors, three had headache, and one had an incidentally detected scotoma following head trauma. All four eventually had abnormal neurologic exams and computer tomographic scans, but two were discharged initially with psychiatric diagnoses. We conclude that cancer, although rare in children, occurs with greater relative frequency in the referral hospital ED than that predicted by published cancer rates from the referring hospital's ED.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)