Prokesch BC, Nagalla S, Ezzati F, Tujios SR, Dominguez A, Chen W, Kershaw C, Patel P, de la Flor C, Foster J, Martin AA, de la Morena MT, Wysocki CA. What's in a name? The heterogeneous clinical spectrum and prognostic factors in a cohort of adults with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.
Transfus Apher Sci 2018;
57:779-784. [PMID:
30327177 DOI:
10.1016/j.transci.2018.10.001]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in adults is rare but frequently fatal. Diagnosis is often delayed and treatment approaches vary significantly in contrast to the protocol-driven approach typically used in pediatric HLH. To improve care of these complex patients, this study retrospectively examined the prevalence, clinical characteristics, therapies and outcomes of adult HLH patients at two large tertiary care centers.
METHODS
Adult patients with HLH confirmed by retrospective review of electronic medical records using HLH2004 criteria during admissions to the University of Texas Southwestern and Parkland Memorial Hospitals between June 2007 and June 2017 were studied.
RESULTS
Of 31 patients included, 67.7% were male with mean age of 46 years. Average time from admission to diagnosis was 10.5 days. 48% of patients had malignancy, with T-cell lymphoma being most common. Infections were seen in 70%. Autoimmune disorders were found in 9.6%. In total, 13 patients survived (44.8%). Median survival was 8 months with increased mortality in malignancy-associated HLH (median 0.56 months versus 36.5 months, p < 0.001). T-cell lymphoma carried a worse prognosis than other malignancies. Central nervous system disease, hypoalbuminemia, elevated bilirubin, elevated soluble interleukin 2 receptor, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase, were also associated with poor survival. Treatment varied significantly. No individual treatment improved survival.
CONCLUSION
This study corroborates prior limited data in adult HLH patients regarding poor survival, particularly in malignancy-associated HLH. Earlier recognition of this disease and a multidisciplinary approach to streamline diagnosis and optimize treatment are needed to improve outcomes in adult HLH patients.
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