Ruxolitinib for severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS)

Abstract

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging infectious disease with high mortality. A 73-year-old woman presented to the hospital with fever after being bitten by ticks and was diagnosed with SFTS. Three days after treatment with high-flow oxygen and supportive therapy, her condition deteriorated to septic shock and multiple organ failure. Ruxolitinib, a JAK1/2 inhibitor, was used for the treatment of cytokine release syndrome, and the patient finally recovered. Ruxolitinib and other host-based immunomodulatory drugs may be potential treatments for fatal SFTS.

Keywords

• Ruxolitinib
• Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome
• Hyperinflammation
• Cytokine release syndrome