Have You Considered Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)?

The symptoms of this life-threatening hyper-inflammatory syndrome can easily be mistaken for other conditions. Use this guide from The HLH Center of Excellence at Cincinnati Children’s to help you determine if the symptoms of HLH correspond with the symptoms or conditions that you are searching for.

What is HLH?

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a term used to describe a life-threatening hyper-inflammatory syndrome. HLH is characterized by persistent fevers, hepatosplenomegaly, cytopenias, coagulopathy, hepatitis / liver failure, and if there is central nervous system involvement, altered mental status, neurologic deficits, and seizures. In many patients, it is caused by genetic lesions that impair an important regulatory mechanism which prevents over activation of the immune response.

The diagnosis of HLH is often difficult as the symptoms of HLH may mimic that of infections or malignancies.

HLH Awareness

A key to improving outcomes for HLH patients is swift diagnosis. The HLH Center of Excellence at Cincinnati Children’s funds several key educational initiatives and is focused on recruiting and training the next generation of HLH physicians and research pioneers. For more information, please call 866-213-1701.