HIGH-DOSE GAMMA-GLOBULIN THERAPY IN THE REACTIVE HEMOPHAGOCYTIC SYNDROME

Reactive haemophagocytic syndrome (RHS) is a disorder characterized by systemic proliferation of nonmalignant histiocytes occurring most com monly in patients with pre-existing immunological abnormalities or neo plasms. Patients, particularly those with immunosuppression, often hav e a rapidly progressive fatal course. Treatment is directed at the und erlyng disorder. In the absence of identifiable cause, the therapy is less satisfactory. We report here three cases of RHS successfully trea ted with high-dose gamma-globulin therapy. Two of the three patients w ere immunocompromised and the third occurred during pregnancy. The imp rovement occurred within 24-72h and all patients recovered. High-dose i.v. gamma-globulin therapy may be beneficial in RHS.