About primary HLH

Primary HLH: A hyperinflammatory condition of immune dysregulation1,2

Primary HLH is rapidly progressive and often fatal1

Primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare, hyperinflammatory condition of immune dysregulation. It is characterized by interferon gamma (IFNγ)-activated macrophages that release an uncontrolled surge of proinflammatory cytokines. The resulting hyperinflammation quickly becomes life-threatening.1-3

Image
Clock with alert icon

Without timely diagnosis and effective treatment, the median survival for patients with primary HLH is under 2 months.1

Early identification is critical but challenging1

Heterogeneous presentation of nonspecific symptoms often delays diagnosis1,4-6

Image
Thermometer icon representing persistent high fever
  • Persistent high fever  (>102°F [38.9°C], lasting ≥4 days)
  • Infection
  • Rash
Image
Liver icon representing Hepatosplenomegaly
  • Hepatosplenomegaly
  • Liver function impairment (eg, elevated liver enzymes and triglycerides)
Image
Lungs icon representing pulmonary dysfunction
  • Pulmonary dysfunction
Image
Blood cell icon representing hyperferritinemia
  • Hyperferritinemia
  • Coagulation defects
  • Severe cytopenia (affecting hemoglobin, platelets, and/or neutrophils)
Image
Brain seizure icon
  • Seizures and central nervous system involvement

Many patients with primary HLH are admitted to the intensive care unit due to delays in diagnosis1

Collaboration between various specialists can help shorten the time it takes to identify this rare condition.7 These include:

  • Emergency room physicians
  • Immunologists
  • Pathologists
  • Clinical pharmacologists
  • Rheumatologists
  • Neurologists
  • Hematologists
  • Oncologists