Endoperoxidation, hyperprostaglandinemia, and hyperlipidemia in a case of erythrophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Reversal with VP-16 and indomethacin

Clinicopathologic and histopathologic evidence of both endoperoxidation with hyperprostaglandinemia and hyperlipidemia in a 5-week-old infant with a hemophagocytic syndrome is reported. Institution of histiocytolytic (VP-16) and cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor (indomethacin) therapies returned the prostaglandin levels and lipid profile to a nearly normal state coincidental with clinical recovery. It appears that by reducing the cell mass of histiocytes and controlling the over-production of prostaglandins, some types of hemophagocytic syndrome can be reversed.