Title: HLH in the ED<br/>Author: Mike Winters<br/><a href='http://umem.org/profiles/faculty/141/'>[Click to email author]</a><hr/><p>
<strong><u>Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)</u></strong></p>
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HLH is a hematologic disorder that results from overactivation of the immune response (macrophages and cytotoxic T cells).</li>
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HLH is often underrecognized and has a mortality that can be as high as 75%.</li>
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Secondary HLH is most commonly associated with infection (sepsis), malignancy (lymphoma), and autoimmune disorders (SLE, RA).</li>
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Hallmark features of HLH include fever, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, cytopenias, coagulopathy, elevated ferritin, elevated triglycerides, and decreased fibrinogen levels.</li>
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ED resuscitation of patients with suspected HLH includes Hematology consultation, treatment of the underlying disorder (infection), and potentially corticosteroids and chemotherapeutic agents.</li>
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<fieldset><legend>References</legend>
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Morrissette K, et al. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in the emergency department: recognizing and evaluating a hidden threat. <em>J Emerg Med</em>. 2021;60:743-751.</p>
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