Secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in adults: a case series of 6 patients in a single institution in a brief period

Abstract

We present a case series of 5 patients of secondary hemophagocytic lympohistiocytosis (HLH) in a single institution in relatively brief period. HLH is uncommon, but it also tends to be under diagnosed, especially if it is secondary to other haematological or non-haematological malignancy. The diagnosis is challenging and is frequently delayed. Stem cell transplantation is a potentially curative option however; it is not suitable for most patients because of age and performance status or the inability to achieve complete remission prior to transplantation. In our experience, the disease was always refractory, and the outcome was poor, regardless of the treatment that was used.Keywords: hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, fever of unknown origin,