Abstract
We report an 18-year-old boy with common variable immunodeficiency who presented with splenomegaly as well as left axillary and lateral cervical lymphadenopathy. Main laboratory investigations showed severe thrombocytopenia. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA was delected in the patient's throat-washing specimens and lymph node biopsy. Lymphocytes from the lymph node biopsy were also positive for EBV nuclear antigen. Serology for EBV and cytomegalovirus was negative. A therapeutic attempt with acyclovir did not influence the course of infection. Six months' treatment with human lymphoblastoid interferon-α (IFN alfa) brought about the normalization of clinical and hematologic conditions. Detection on throat-washing specimens carried out 1 year after therapy was negative. Our preliminary experience suggests that human lymphoblastoid IFN-α is a valid alternative in therapy of immunodeficient EB virus-infected patients.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 489-493 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Pediatric Hematology and Oncology |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1995 |
Keywords
- Common variable immunodeficiency
- Epstein-Barr virus
- Interferon-α
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Cancer Research
- Management of Technology and Innovation