Resolution of liver disease in transient abnormal myelopoiesis with fish oil emulsion

Pediatr Int. 2017 Apr;59(4):515-518. doi: 10.1111/ped.13250.

Abstract

Neonates with Down syndrome are at risk of developing transient abnormal myelopoiesis (TAM), which is characterized by transient clonal myeloproliferation of the blast cells. TAM can resolve spontaneously, but some patients die at an early age due to organ failure. Liver fibrosis in TAM is a life-threatening condition, but treatment options have not yet been established. Here, we report on the case of an infant with TAM complicated by liver disease, whose hyperbilirubinemia was successfully ameliorated with omega-3 fatty acid (ω3FA) lipid emulsion. Timely ω3FA lipid emulsion may be a feasible treatment for liver disease in TAM before serious liver damage develops.

Keywords: direct bilirubin; liver fibrosis; omega-3 fatty acid lipid emulsion; transient abnormal myelopoiesis; transient myeloproliferative disorder.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Down Syndrome / complications*
  • Down Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Fat Emulsions, Intravenous / therapeutic use*
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Leukemoid Reaction / complications*
  • Leukemoid Reaction / diagnosis
  • Liver Cirrhosis / diagnosis
  • Liver Cirrhosis / etiology
  • Liver Cirrhosis / therapy*

Substances

  • Fat Emulsions, Intravenous
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3

Supplementary concepts

  • Myeloproliferative Syndrome, Transient