What is a diagnosis of HLH?
Daniel Rodriguez
Published Feb 22, 2026
What is a diagnosis of HLH?
HLH can be diagnosed only with the proper tests. Blood tests include blood cell counts, liver function, infection studies, and markers of immune system activation such as ferritin and soluble IL-2 receptor levels. A bone marrow aspirate and biopsy may be performed to look for microscopic evidence of hemophagocytosis.
What is HLH in cancer treatment?
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare but potentially fatal condition in which certain white blood cells (histiocytes and lymphocytes) build up in and damage organs, including the bone marrow, liver, and spleen, and destroy other blood cells.
Can Covid trigger HLH?
HLH in COVID-19 positive patients is reported in various case reports [14,15]. However, the cases of sHLH in patients who have recovered from COVID-19 and are RAT and RT-PCR negative are sparse. Naous et al. reported a case of HLH as a cause of death in the post-COVID-19 patient [5].
When do you suspect HLH?
HLH should be suspected in cases of an unexplained sudden onset of a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), including fever, malaise, hepatosplenomegaly, jaundice, generalized lymphadenopathy, and cytopenias.
Is HLH a malignancy?
HLH develops in the presence of malignancy, is known as malignancy-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (M-HLH) [8]. High grade lymphomas, mainly T cell and Natural killer non-Hodgkin lymphomas are the most common malignant causes of secondary HLH [1].
What is acquired HLH?
If you have acquired HLH, your body’s immune system does not work normally. Some white blood cells called histiocytes and lymphocytes attack your other blood cells. Abnormal blood cells then build up in your spleen and liver. This causes your spleen and liver to enlarge.
What triggers HLH?
It can be caused by some infections, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. If you have acquired HLH, your body’s immune system does not work normally. Abnormal blood cells build up in your spleen and liver. This causes your spleen and liver to enlarge.
What is HLH ( hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis)?
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a severe systemic inflammatory syndrome that can be fatal. This syndrome can sometimes occur in normal people with medical problems that can cause a strong activation of the immune system, such as infection or cancer. HLH in these settings is called Secondary HLH.
What does HLH stand for?
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare disease that usually occurs in infants and young children. It may also occur in adults. Children usually inherit the disease. In adults, many different conditions, including infections and cancer, can cause HLH. If you have HLH, your body’s defense system, called your immune system,
How is HLH diagnosed in patients with autoimmune disease?
Download algorithm. The diagnosis of HLH is often difficult. HLH symptoms may mimic bad infections or malignancies. Additionally, HLH is often observed in these settings and can occur in patients with rheumatologic or autoimmune disorders. Laboratory evaluations can help with the diagnosis of HLH.
What are the causes of HLH?
In adults, many different conditions, including infections and cancer, can cause HLH. If you have HLH, your body’s defense system, called your immune system, does not work normally.