Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in a patient with severe burns

Abstract

Recently, increasing attention has been drawn to haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis as a potentially under-diagnosed condition in critically ill patients with severe sepsis. It is thought to be caused by a highly stimulated, but ineffective, immune system. We report the case of a patient suffering from major burns who, despite extensive investigations showing the absence of concurrent sepsis or infection, developed haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis refractory to treatment. We believe that this is the first report suggestive of haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis triggered by a burns injury.