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Masood M, Siddique A, Krishnamoorthi R, Kozarek RA. Liver Dysfunction in Adult Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: A Narrative Review. Adv Ther 2024; 41:553-566. [PMID: 38145441 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-023-02768-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare, life-threatening condition that has been increasingly recognized in adults and is characterized by a hyperinflammatory state due to immune dysregulation. Its nonspecific presentation, the lack of clinician familiarity given its rarity, and shared clinical features with sepsis and other syndromes can lead to a delay in diagnosis and a poor prognosis. Significant liver function abnormalities as the initial manifestation of HLH are uncommon and can range from mild elevation of aminotransferases to fulminant hepatic failure with high mortality rates. The authors encountered a case of adult HLH mimicking acute viral hepatitis in which a markedly elevated ferritin level led to a prompt diagnosis, early initiation of treatment, and a successful outcome. Clinicians, including gastroenterologists and hepatologists, are often called upon to evaluate patients with abnormal liver tests and may lack experience in the early diagnosis and management of liver dysfunction in the context of HLH. Thus, we expand our reporting to a narrative review of literature which explores the pathogenesis of HLH, challenges associated with its diagnosis, previous reports of liver disease associated with the syndrome, recommended treatments for the familial and adult variations including the role of liver transplantation, and the outcomes of these treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muaaz Masood
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Center for Digestive Health, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Asma Siddique
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Center for Digestive Health, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rajesh Krishnamoorthi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Center for Digestive Health, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Richard A Kozarek
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Center for Digestive Health, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Center for Interventional Immunology, Benaroya Research Institute, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, 1201 Ninth Ave, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA.
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Löfstedt A, Jädersten M, Meeths M, Henter JI. Malignancy-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in Sweden: incidence, clinical characteristics, and survival. Blood 2024; 143:233-242. [PMID: 37595287 PMCID: PMC10808245 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023020715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT We evaluated malignancy-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (mal-HLH) in Sweden regarding population-based incidence, clinical features, and survival. From 1997 to 2018, we identified 307 adults (≥18 years old) and 9 children (209 males, 107 females; P < .001) with both an HLH-related diagnosis and malignant disease, corresponding to 0.19 per 100 000 adults annually (0.15/100 000 for the entire population), increasing from 0.026 (1997-2007) to 0.34 (2008-2018) (P < .001). In the latest 7-year period (2012-2018), the annual incidence was 0.45 per 100 000 adults (n = 246). This incidence varied between the 6 health care regions in Sweden, from 0.18 to 0.71 (Region Stockholm) per 100 000 adults annually (P < .001), likely due to variable awareness. Mal-HLH was reported in 0.6% of all hematological malignancies, with the highest proportion (2.5%) in young males. Among the 316 patients, the 1-month probability of survival, likely representing the HLH episode, increased significantly from 52% (95% confidence interval [CI], 40-63) (1997-2007) to 71% (95% CI, 65-76) (2008-2018), whereas 2-year survival remained poor (25%; 95% CI, 20-30). Altogether, 52% were lymphomas, 29% leukemias, 8% other hematological malignancies, and 11% solid tumors. Males were more affected than females by mal-HLH, also taking the over-representation of males with hematological malignancies into account (P = .0012). Validation by medical-file reviews revealed 13% over-reporting of HLH. We conclude that the annual mal-HLH incidence has increased 10-fold and was at least 0.71 per 100 000 adults from 2012 to 2018, that is, 0.62 per 100 000 adults considering 13% estimated HLH over-reporting, and that early survival improved significantly, likely due to increased awareness and more HLH-directed therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Löfstedt
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Astrid Lindgrens Children’s Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Jädersten
- Department of Hematology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie Meeths
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Astrid Lindgrens Children’s Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan-Inge Henter
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Astrid Lindgrens Children’s Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Zoref-Lorenz A, Lehmberg K, Jordan M. Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in the Context of Hematological Malignancies and Solid Tumors. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1448:429-440. [PMID: 39117831 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-59815-9_29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) has been described for decades in association with malignancies (M-HLH). While its mechanism is unknown, M-HLH has a poor prognosis, ranging from 10% to 30% overall survival. Mature T-cell lymphomas, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and Hodgkin lymphoma, with or without viral co-triggers such as Epstein-Barr virus, are among the most frequent underlying entities. Most M-HLH cases occur at the presentation of malignancy, but they may also occur during therapy as a result of immune compromise from chemotherapy (HLH in the context of immune compromise, IC-HLH) and (typically) disordered response to infection or after immune-activating therapies (Rx-HLH, also known as cytokine release syndrome, CRS). IC-HLH typically occurs months after diagnosis in the context of fungal, bacterial, or viral infection, though it may occur without an apparent trigger. Rx-HLH can be associated with checkpoint blockade, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, or bispecific T-cell engaging therapy. Until recently, M-HLH diagnosis and treatment strategies were extrapolated from familial HLH (F-HLH), though optimized diagnostic and therapeutic treatment strategies are emerging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adi Zoref-Lorenz
- Hematology Institute, Meir Medical Center, Faculty of Medical & Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Kai Lehmberg
- Division of Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Clinic of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Jordan
- Divisions of Immunobiology and Bone Marrow Transplantation/Immune Deficiency, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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Nieves Salceda JF, Lozano Cuesta P, Hermoso de Mendoza Aristegui S, Fernández-Suárez J, Madrid Carbajal C, García Clemente MM. Q fever, a rare cause of secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. GMS INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 11:Doc05. [PMID: 38111807 PMCID: PMC10726720 DOI: 10.3205/id000085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare syndrome in which Coxiella burnetii is a very infrequent etiology. We present the case of a 62-year-old male with progressive pulmonary infiltrates, fever, hepatitis, and bicytopenia despite broad spectrum antibiotics. A thorough clinical evaluation led to a high suspicion of Coxiella burnetii infection, subsequently confirmed through a positive serum polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. HLH diagnosis was established based on the fulfillment of 5/8 diagnostic criteria, obviating the need for a bone marrow biopsy. Targeted antibiotic treatment and dexamethasone led to full recovery within two weeks, eliminating the need for stronger immunosuppressive therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pablo Lozano Cuesta
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Spain
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Abdelhay A, Mahmoud AA, Al Ali O, Hashem A, Orakzai A, Jamshed S. Epidemiology, characteristics, and outcomes of adult haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in the USA, 2006-19: a national, retrospective cohort study. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 62:102143. [PMID: 37599909 PMCID: PMC10432999 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare and life-threatening syndrome characterized by an excessive inflammatory response. Limited data exist on adult HLH. Methods In this national, retrospective cohort study, we analysed data from the US National Inpatient Sample database collected between October 1, 2006 and December 31, 2019. Using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes, we identified all adult patients who were admitted non-electively with the diagnosis of HLH. We described demographic characteristics, triggers, and associated conditions. Trends of diagnosis, treatment, and in-hospital mortality were analysed using joinpoint models. In-hospital mortality rates were compared using multivariable logistic regression models that adjusted for demographic characteristics and associated conditions. Finally, we described resource utilization outcomes including cost of hospitalization and length of stay. Findings We identified 16,136 non-elective adult HLH admissions. The population pyramid showed a bimodal distribution, with peaks in young adults (16-30 years) and older adults (56-70 years). Joinpoint regression analysis revealed a significant increase in HLH incidence per 100,000 admissions over the study period (Average Annual Percent Change [APC] = 25.3%, p < 0.0001), and no significant change in rates of in-hospital mortality (slope = -0.01; p = 0.95) or administration of in-hospital HLH treatment (slope = 0.46, p = 0.20). The most common associated conditions were malignancy (4953 admissions [30.7%]), infections (3913 admissions [24.3%]), autoimmune conditions (3362 admissions [20.8%]), organ transplant status (639 admissions [4%]), and congenital immunodeficiency syndromes (399 admissions [2.5%]). In-hospital mortality was higher in older adults and males. Furthermore, Congenital immunodeficiency syndromes had the worst in-hospital mortality rate (mortality rate 31.1%, adjusted OR 2.36 [1.56-3.59]), followed by malignancies (mortality rate 28.4%, adjusted OR 1.80 [1.46-2.22]), infections (mortality rate 21.4%, adjusted OR 1.33 [1.10-1.62]), other/no trigger (mortality rate 13.6%, adjusted OR 0.73 [0.58-0.92]), autoimmune (mortality rate 13%, adjusted OR 0.72 [0.57-0.92]), and post-organ transplant status (mortality rate 14.1%, adjusted OR 0.64 [0.43-0.97]). The overall mean length of stay was 14.3 ± 13.9 days, and the mean cost of hospitalization was $54,900 ± 59,800. Interpretation We provide insight into the burden of adult HLH in the USA. The incidence has been increasing and the outcomes remain dismal. This signifies the growing need for the development of updated diagnosis and treatment protocols that are specific to adult HLH. Funding None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Abdelhay
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Amir A. Mahmoud
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Omar Al Ali
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Anas Hashem
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Abdullah Orakzai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Saad Jamshed
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Rochester Regional Health, Rochester, NY, USA
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West J, Stilwell P, Liu H, Ban L, Bythell M, Card T, Lanyon P, Nanduri V, Rankin J, Bishton M, Crooks C. 1-year survival in haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: a nationwide cohort study from England 2003-2018. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:56. [PMID: 37237311 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01434-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a lethal syndrome of excessive immune activation. We undertook a nationwide study in England of all cases of HLH diagnosed between 2003 and 2018, using linked electronic health data from hospital admissions and death certification. We modelled interactions between demographics and comorbidities and estimated one-year survival by calendar year, age group, gender and comorbidity (haematological malignancy, auto-immune, other malignancy) using Cox regression. There were 1628 people with HLH identified. Overall, crude one-year survival was 50% (95% Confidence interval 48-53%) which varied substantially with age (0-4: 61%; 5-14: 76%; 15-54: 61%; > 55: 24% p < 0.01), sex (males, 46%, worse than females, 55% p < 0.01) and associated comorbidity (auto-immune, 69%, haematological malignancy 28%, any other malignancy, 37% p < 0.01). Those aged < 54 years had a threefold increased risk of death at 1-year amongst HLH associated with malignancy compared to auto-immune. However, predicted 1-year survival decreased markedly with age in those with auto-immune (age 0-14, 84%; 15-54, 73%; > 55, 27%) such that among those > 55 years, survival was as poor as for patients with haematological malignancy. One-year survival following a diagnosis of HLH varies considerably by age, gender and associated comorbidity. Survival was better in those with auto-immune diseases among the young and middle age groups compared to those with an underlying malignancy, whereas in older age groups survival was uniformly poor regardless of the underlying disease process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe West
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- National Disease Registration Service, NHS Digital, Leeds, UK
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
- Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Stilwell
- National Disease Registration Service, NHS Digital, Leeds, UK
| | - Hanhua Liu
- National Disease Registration Service, NHS Digital, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Mary Bythell
- National Disease Registration Service, NHS Digital, Leeds, UK
| | - Tim Card
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Peter Lanyon
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- National Disease Registration Service, NHS Digital, Leeds, UK
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Judith Rankin
- National Disease Registration Service, NHS Digital, Leeds, UK
- Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Mark Bishton
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
- National Disease Registration Service, NHS Digital, Leeds, UK.
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Colin Crooks
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- National Disease Registration Service, NHS Digital, Leeds, UK
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
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