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Case Reports
. 2017 May;22(5):623-625.
doi: 10.1634/theoncologist.2016-0237. Epub 2017 Apr 19.

Kaposi Sarcoma Inflammatory Cytokine Syndrome (KICS): A Rare but Potentially Treatable Condition

Michael Karass  1 , Emily Grossniklaus  2 , Talal Seoud  3 , Sanjay Jain  4 , Daniel A Goldstein  2   5
Affiliations
Case Reports

Kaposi Sarcoma Inflammatory Cytokine Syndrome (KICS): A Rare but Potentially Treatable Condition

Michael Karass et al. Oncologist. 2017 May.

Abstract

Kaposi sarcoma inflammatory cytokine syndrome (KICS) is a newly-described condition affecting individuals who are HIV-positive and are infected with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). This is a syndrome that in some ways mimics severe sepsis with associated acute respiratory distress syndrome, possibly requiring a ventilator and vasopressor support. However, unlike severe sepsis, antibiotics provide no benefit. Management of KICS has not been fully elucidated because of its high mortality rate. However, the syndrome has been successfully treated in some cases with immunomodulatory therapy. It is crucial for oncologists to be able to recognize this syndrome and to institute the appropriate therapy. The Oncologist 2017;22:623-625.

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Disclosures of potential conflicts of interest may be found at the end of this article.

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