Polskie Archiwum Medycyny Wewnętrznej
-
Pol. Arch. Med. Wewn. · May 2020
ReviewHow can an internal medicine specialist save a patient with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)?
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH; also, hemophagocytic syndrome) occurs when an inflammatory reaction cannot stop on its own but continues to self‑ accelerate with positive feedback loops. If not interrupted, this pathomechanism leads to death. HLH in adults is usually diagnosed based on the HLH‑2004 criteria, but its confirmation should not stop the diagnostic process. ⋯ Prompt diagnosis and treatment, frequently made by an internal medicine specialist, is life‑saving. The aim of this review is to raise HLH awareness among internal medicine specialists and to provide advice on HLH management tailored for this group of physicians. Suggested approach is based on the latest recommendations by the Histiocyte Society and include novel insights from the authors' experience.