HLH-2004 Criteria Research Articles

Neuroinflammatory Disease as an Isolated Manifestation of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis.

Isolated neuroinflammatory disease has been described in case reports of familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL), but the clinical spectrum of disease manifestations, response to therapy and prognosis remain poorly defined. We combined an international survey with a literature search to identify FHL patients with (i) initial presentation with isolated neurological symptoms; (ii) absence of cytopenia and splenomegaly at presentation; and (iii) systemic HLH features no earlier than 3months after neurological presentation. Thirty-eight (20 unreported) patients were identified with initial diagnoses including acute demyelinating encephalopathy, leukoencephalopathy, CNS vasculitis, multiple sclerosis, and encephalitis. Median age at presentation was 6.5years, most commonly with ataxia/gait disturbance (75%) and seizures (53%). Diffuse multifocal white matter changes (79%) and cerebellar involvement (61%) were common MRI findings. CSF cell count and protein were increased in 22/29 and 15/29 patients, respectively. Fourteen patients progressed to systemic inflammatory disease fulfilling HLH-2004 criteria at a mean of 36.9months after initial neurological presentation. Mutations were detected in PRF1 in 23 patients (61%), RAB27A in 10 (26%), UNC13D in 3 (8%), LYST in 1 (3%), and STXBP2 in 1 (3%) with a mean interval to diagnosis of 28.3months. Among 19 patients who underwent HSCT, 11 neurologically improved, 4 were stable, one relapsed, and 3 died. Among 14 non-transplanted patients, only 3 improved or had stable disease, one relapsed, and 10 died. Isolated CNS-HLH is a rare and often overlooked cause of inflammatory brain disease. HLH-directed therapy followed by HSCT seems to improve survival and outcome.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in critically ill patients: diagnostic reliability of HLH-2004 criteria and HScore

BackgroundHemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare though often fatal hyperinflammatory syndrome mimicking sepsis in the critically ill. Diagnosis relies on the HLH-2004 criteria and HScore, both of which have been developed in pediatric or adult non-critically ill patients, respectively. Therefore, we aimed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of HLH-2004 criteria and HScore in a cohort of adult critically ill patients.MethodsIn this further analysis of a retrospective observational study, patients ≥ 18 years admitted to at least one adult ICU at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin between January 2006 and August 2018 with hyperferritinemia of ≥ 500 μg/L were included. Patients’ charts were reviewed for clinically diagnosed or suspected HLH. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was performed to determine prediction accuracy.ResultsIn total, 2623 patients with hyperferritinemia were included, of whom 40 patients had HLH. We found the best prediction accuracy of HLH diagnosis for a cutoff of 4 fulfilled HLH-2004 criteria (95.0% sensitivity and 93.6% specificity) and HScore cutoff of 168 (100% sensitivity and 94.1% specificity). By adjusting HLH-2004 criteria cutoffs of both hyperferritinemia to 3000 μg/L and fever to 38.2 °C, sensitivity and specificity increased to 97.5% and 96.1%, respectively. Both a higher number of fulfilled HLH-2004 criteria [OR 1.513 (95% CI 1.372–1.667); p < 0.001] and a higher HScore [OR 1.011 (95% CI 1.009–1.013); p < 0.001] were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality.ConclusionsAn HScore cutoff of 168 revealed a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 94.1%, thereby providing slightly superior diagnostic accuracy compared to HLH-2004 criteria. Both HLH-2004 criteria and HScore proved to be of good diagnostic accuracy and consequently might be used for HLH diagnosis in critically ill patients.Clinical trial registrationThe study was registered with www.ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02854943) on August 1, 2016.

A comprehensive analysis of adult patients with secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: a prospective cohort study.

Secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare but fatal condition with various underlying disorders in adult patients and is diagnosed based on the HLH-2004 criteria, which were established based on experience in pediatric patients. However, few studies have prospectively evaluated the treatment outcomes and diagnostic performance of HLH criteria in adult patients with secondary HLH. Thus, we performed a single-center, prospective cohort study of adult patients with suspected HLH, and we analyzed treatment outcomes of patients enrolled between 2017 and 2019 as an interim analysis ( ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03117010). Of the 73 patients with suspected HLH, 70 patients completed the evaluation for ≥ 7 of the HLH-2004 criteria, and 55 patients were diagnosed with HLH (55/73, 75%). Although serum ferritin and fever had a sensitivity of more than 90%, both had exceptionally low specificity, whereas soluble CD25 had a sensitivity of more than 90% and specificity of 80%. Forty patients with malignancy-associated HLH had B cell (n = 19) or T- or NK-cell (n = 21) lymphoid malignancy, whereas 15 patients had non-malignant disorders. Non-malignancy-associated HLH had greater than 90% 1-year overall survival (OS) after diagnosis of HLH, whereas that for malignancy-associated HLH was less than 40%. In conclusion, our study showed promising treatment outcomes for patients enrolled in our prospective cohort study, and prospectively demonstrated the diagnostic performance of the HLH-2004 criteria in adult patients with suspected HLH. Given that lymphoma was the most common cause of HLH in adults, thorough evaluation for lymphoma should be performed in adults with suspected HLH.

Personalized treatment of immune checkpoint inhibitor-related severe hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).

e15079 Background: HLH is a rare but potentially lethal immune related adverse event (irAE) with an incidence of 0.03-0.4 % in cancer patients undergoing immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI). Given the rarity of HLH there are currently no diagnostic or therapeutic guidelines and the majority of the reported cases have been treated with corticosteroids alone with very variable response rates. There is currently no established therapy for corticosteroid resistant HLH occurring in the context of immunotherapies. We investigated the treatment possibility of severe HLH according to the cytokine profile. Methods: We report the clinical presentation, the cytokine profile and the outcome of three melanoma patients with ICI-related HLH not responding to high dose corticosteroid therapy alone who were treated with additional anti-IL-6R at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudoise. We collected the following data: treatment setting, ICIs received, duration of each treatment, HLH criteria, bone marrow biopsy, cytokine profile, response to corticosteroid and to anti-IL-6R therapy. Results: We identified a severe HLH in three metastatic melanoma patients treated with ipilimumab and nivolumab for 2 of them and 1 with pembrolizumab. HLH occurred in a median of 10 weeks after initiation of immunotherapy. The patients met at least five of the HLH-2004 criteria including high ferritin levels ( &gt; 100.000 ng/ml). High levels of interferon-gamma (IFNγ), IFNγ-induced chemokines, particularly CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL13, IL-18 and IL-6 were found in all patients. For 2 of them we identified a highly infiltrated bone marrow by activated CD8+ T and NK cells. Median duration of corticosteroids therapy was 6.5 weeks. The evolution of the three patients was rapidly favorable in a median of 2.5 weeks after the addition of an anti-IL-6R therapy targeting the IFNγ/Th1 axis. Conclusions: HLH is a potentially life-threatening irAE necessitating emergency therapy. CXCL9 and Th1 cytokines are markedly elevated in patients with ICI-related HLH due to the activation of the IFNγ pathway. High CXCL9 and Th1 cytokines levels appear to be potential specific biomarkers for ICI-related HLH diagnosis. Blocking this axis by anti-IL-6 therapy seems a very promising strategy for severe ICI-related HLH allowing rapid resolution of symptoms and normalization of the abnormal laboratory results.

Adult haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: a Review.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening disorder characterized by hyperimmune response. The mortality is high despite progress being made in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. This review aimed to update knowledge on adult HLH pathophysiology, identifiy the numerous causes, and help clinicians make early diagnosis and initiate treatment. Using Embase, we searched relevant articles published from January 1, 2010 to October 31, 2019, with the MESH term « hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis; macrophagic activation syndrome, adult ». The mean age at presentation is about 50 years, with a male predominance. The most frequent disease associations are haematological diseases, viral or bacterial infections, and autoimmune diseases. The pathophysiologic mechanism is probably the combination of inherited genetic mutations and extrinsic triggers. The mortality rate is 26.5% to 74.8%. H-score is more efficient than HLH-2004 criteria to identify HLH, with diagnostic sensitivity and specificity 90% and 79%, respectively.18F-FDG PET/CT is potentially useful for detecting underlying disease and the extent of secondary HLH. Disease-specific treatment should be given as soon as possible. Treatment with corticosteroids combined or not with etoposide is the mainstay of treatment. Monoclonal antibodies and JAK pathway inhibitors show promise of being effective. In adult HLH, infectious diseases, autoimmune disease and malignancy should be suspected so that disease-specific treatment can be given promptly. Treatment with corticosteroids combined or not with etoposide is the mainstay of treatment, but new therapies show promise of being effective.

Clinico-laboratory profile and perforin gene mutations of pediatric hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis cases: a five-year single center study.

Introductionhemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an immunological disease characterized by hemophagocytosis of blood cells and proliferation of T-cells and histiocytes in the spleen and bone marrow then infiltration into body organs. Familial HLH (FHL) is a fatal disorder and determining gene mutations is a good guide for predicting the prognosis and choosing treatment options. This study aimed to illustrate the clinical, laboratory characteristics, including perforin gene mutation screening, treatment and survival outcome of pediatric HLH patients.Methodswe conducted this cross-sectional study on pediatric patients who were diagnosed with HLH using the revised HLH-2004 criteria, from January 2014 to February 2019 at Zagazig University Children's Hospital, Egypt. We collected demographic, clinical and laboratory data and screened for the presence of mutations in perforin (PRF1) gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. We treated the patients according to HLH-2004 treatment protocol and documented their survival outcome.Resultsthe total number of cases were 18; eight males and ten females, the age range was between three months and 12 years. Of the eight HLH-2004 diagnostic criteria, all patients met at least five criteria. We detected PRF1 gene mutation in 38.9% (7 patients) with nine previously unreported mutations. Sixteen patients (88.9%) received HLH-2004 treatment protocol and the remaining two patients died before initiation of treatment. The overall mortality was 72.2% (13 patients).Conclusionour results increase the awareness of clinical and laboratory characterizations of pediatric HLH patients and the prevalence of PRF1 gene mutations among those patients.

Natural-Killer Cell Cytotoxicity Is a Diagnostic and Prognostic Marker in Adult Patients with Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: Results from a Prospective Phase II Observational Study

Background: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) can be life-threatening if not detected and treated appropriately. Diagnosing HLH can be confusing due to other similar febrile diseases that present with cytopenia. Although a decrease in natural-killer cell (NK)-cytotoxicity is an important diagnostic parameter for primary HLH, the role in adult HLH has not been well-defined. Aim: To identify the diagnostic relevance and the significant cut-off values for NK cytotoxic function, we focused on patients that presented with fever with either cytopenia or evidence of hemophagocytosis. NK cytotoxicity was calculated at the time of diagnosis and we tried to identify significant differences between the causes of disease. Finally, the overall treatment response and survival outcomes were also evaluated based on the level of NK cytotoxicity in several subgroup analyses. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 123 adult patients that presented with fever accompanied by either cytopenia in at least two lineages or marrow hemophagocytosis. A diagnosis of HLH was based on HLH-2004 criteria and treated based on HLH-94 protocol. HLH-suspected patients were initially treated with 10mg/BSA of dexamethasone, and etoposide was considered if clinical improvement was not observed within 7 days after dexamethasone. Patients other than HLH were treated with disease-specified therapy. NK-cytotoxicity was calculated at diagnosis by K562-cell direct lysis using flow-cytometry. Results: HLH (n=60) was determined to be caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV, n=11), infection other than EBV (n=16), malignancies (n=19), and unknown (n=14). Febrile diseases other than HLH (n=63) were diagnosed as rheumatologic disease (n=22), malignancies (n=21), infection (n=12), non-malignant hematological diseases (n=6), and unknown (n=2). The results revealed that an HLH diagnosis was significantly correlated with lower NK-cytotoxicity, compared to other diseases (12.1% vs. 26.2%, p&lt;0.001), and a value less than 22% was a relevant cut-off for diagnosing HLH. Additionally, lower NK-cytotoxicity showed inferior 2-year overall survival in the non-malignancy subgroup (72.2% vs. 88.8%, p=0.038). Multivariate analysis showed that low NK-cytotoxicity, splenomegaly, and marrow hemophagocytosis were independent diagnostic parameters for HLH, and low NK-cytotoxicity and EBV-association were related with poor survival outcomes in non-malignant febrile diseases. Conclusion: We determined that decreased NK-cytotoxicity is a relevant marker that can be used for diagnosis of adult HLH compared with several similar febrile diseases and is also related to poor OS in non-malignant febrile diseases. Based on these results and other prospective studies, we hope that additional relevant diagnostic criteria for adult HLH can be identified in the near future. Disclosures Kim: Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Astellas: Consultancy, Honoraria; Hanmi: Consultancy, Honoraria; AGP: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; SL VaxiGen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy; Amgen: Honoraria; Chugai: Honoraria; Yuhan: Honoraria; Sanofi-Genzyme: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Handok: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; Daiichi Sankyo: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Otsuka: Honoraria; BL &amp; H: Research Funding. Lee:Alexion: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Achillion: Research Funding.

1711. Histoplasmosis-Associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

BackgroundHistoplasmosis is an endemic fungal disease with a spectrum of presentations from asymptomatic, mild to disseminated infections. Histoplasmosis-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare disorder with limited data regarding treatment and outcome. We described the clinical features, treatment, and outcomes of five patients. This review also summarized the current literature about presentation, treatment, and outcome of this infection-related HLH entity.MethodsWe searched the electronic medical records for patients with histoplasmosis-associated HLH at our institution from January 1, 2006 to September 30, 2017. Diagnosis of HLH was confirmed and by chart review according to HLH-04 criteria. We also searched the current literature for case reports and case series of this entity.ResultsWe reported five cases of histoplasmosis-associated HLH during this period. All patients were diagnosed after 2010, this may be explained in part by increased awareness of this entity. The literature review yielded 60 cases of histoplasmosis-associated HLH. Among all patients (65 patients), the most common underlying condition was HIV in 61% of all patients. The majority of histoplasmosis patients were treated with amphotericin B formulation in 81%. The specific treatment for HLH was as follows: nine patients received steroids only, six patients received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) only, three patients received dexamethasone and etoposide, two patients received etoposide, dexamethasone, and cyclosporine, two patients received steroids and IVIG, and one patient received Anakinra and IVIG. The inpatient mortality rate was 31% with most of the deaths occurring within 2 weeks of hospital admission.ConclusionHistoplasmosis-associated HLH among adults is an uncommon but aggressive disease with multiorgan involvement. Early antifungal therapy with a lipid formulation amphotericin B is the most important part of the management. Initial HLH-specific immunosuppressive therapy with regimens such as the HLH-94 protocol is usually individualized. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Histoplasmosis-Associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: A Review of the Literature.

Background Histoplasmosis is an endemic fungal disease with diverse clinical presentations. Histoplasmosis-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare disorder with limited data regarding treatment and outcome. We described the clinical features, treatment, and outcomes of five patients in our institution with histoplasmosis-associated HLH. This review also summarizes the current literature about presentation, treatment, and outcome of this infection-related HLH entity. Methods We searched the electronic medical records for patients with histoplasmosis-associated HLH at our institution from 1/1/2006 to 9/30/2017. Diagnosis of HLH was confirmed by chart review using the HLH-04 criteria. We also searched the current literature for case reports and case series. Results Five cases of histoplasmosis-associated HLH were included from our institution. All five patients were diagnosed after 2010. The literature review yielded 60 additional cases of histoplasmosis-associated HLH. The most common underlying condition was HIV in 61% of cases. The majority of histoplasmosis patients (81%) were treated with amphotericin B formulations. Documented specific treatments for HLH were as follows: nine patients received steroids only, six patients received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) only, three patients received dexamethasone and etoposide, two patients received etoposide, dexamethasone, and cyclosporine, two patients received steroids and IVIG, and one patient received Anakinra and IVIG. The inpatient case fatality rate was 31% with most of the deaths occurring within two weeks of hospital admission. Conclusions Histoplasmosis-associated HLH among adults is an uncommon but serious complication with high associated mortality. Early antifungal therapy with a lipid formulation amphotericin B is critical. The initiation of immunosuppressive therapy with regimens like HLH-04 in this disease entity should be individualized.

Diagnostic biomarkers for adult haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in critically ill patients (HEMICU): a prospective observational study protocol

IntroductionHaemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in adults is characterised by toxic immune activation and a sepsis-like syndrome, leading to high numbers of undiagnosed cases and mortality rates of up to 68%. Early...

Ruxolitinib in adult patients with secondary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: an open-label, single-centre, pilot trial

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a cytokine-driven inflammatory syndrome that is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Overall survival in adult patients with secondary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis remains suboptimal, and novel therapeutic strategies are needed. The phosphorylation-dependent activation of the Janus family kinases JAK1 and JAK2 are hallmarks of the final common pathway in this disease. We therefore aimed to determine the activity and safety of ruxolitinib, a JAK inhibitor, in adults with secondary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. We performed an open-label, single-centre, pilot study of ruxolitinib in adults with secondary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center (Ann Arbor, MI, USA). We included patients aged 18 years or more who fulfilled at least five of the eight HLH-2004 criteria for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Discontinuation of corticosteroids was not required for enrolment in this study. Patients received oral ruxolitinib (15 mg twice a day) on a continuous 28-day cycle, or until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint was overall survival at 2 months from the first dose of ruxolitinib. Secondary endpoints included the assessment of adverse events, response (defined as the assessment of all quantifiable signs and laboratory abnormalities included in the diagnostic criteria for haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis), and pharmacodynamic biomarkers. Analyses were done in all treated patients with available data. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02400463, and is still recruiting. As of Feb 7, 2019, five patients had been enrolled. The first patient was enrolled in February, 2016. No deaths were recorded, with a median follow-up of 490 days (IQR 190-1075). 2-month overall survival was 100% (95% CI 57-100). Regarding response, resolution of symptoms (either partial or complete) and disease-associated laboratory abnormalities was observed in all five patients. Cytopenias improved in all patients within the first week of treatment, leading to relatively rapid transfusion independence, discontinuation of corticosteroids, and hospital discharge. A single serious adverse event (ie, grade 4 febrile neutropenia) was reported. One patient discontinued treatment because of grade 2 extremity pain and no treatment-related deaths were observed. Improvements in inflammatory markers (eg, ferritin, soluble IL-2 receptor) and T cells and monocytes activation (ie, decreased STAT1 phosphorylation) were observed following treatment. These preliminary data suggest that ruxolitinib is active, well tolerated, and manageable in the outpatient setting in patients with secondary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Given the paucity of effective, non-myelosuppressive therapies, these preliminary findings have important therapeutic implications for patients with haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and other cytokine-release syndromes and warrant further investigation. National Cancer Institute, the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, and Incyte Corporation.

Severe Dengue and Associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in PICU.

To study the clinico-laboratory profile and outcome of children with severe dengue and dengue-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). In this retrospective study, 22 children with laboratory confirmed severe dengue admitted to pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) were enrolled. Clinical features, laboratory parameters, and outcome were noted and compared between cases fulfilling HLH-2004 criteria and those without HLH. Median (IQR) age was 8 (5-10.3) y. Fever was present for mean (SD) duration of 5.3 (2.1) d. Vomiting, respiratory distress, pain abdomen and hepatomegaly were other clinical features. Thrombocytopenia, anemia and elevated serum transaminases were noted in 91%, 41% and 30% respectively; coagulopathy and hypoalbuminemia were seen in 36% each. Half (n = 11, 50%) had dengue shock syndrome. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (n = 7, 32%) and acute kidney injury (AKI) (n = 6, 28%) were other major organ dysfunctions. Mean (SD) duration of PICU stay was 3.6 (1.5) d with 13.6% mortality. HLH was noted in 7 (32%) cases at a median (IQR) hospital stay of 5 (2-8) d. Children with HLH had significantly higher Pediatric Index of Mortality 2 (PIM 2) score at admission and higher frequency of pain abdomen, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and ARDS. Length of PICU stay (5.1 vs. 2.9 d) and mortality (28.6% vs. 6.7%) were higher in HLH group, however the difference was not statistically significant. Steroids were used in 4 cases with HLH and all survived, whereas among 3 who did not receive steroids, 2 died (p = 0.23). Severe dengue presents with life-threatening organ dysfunctions. HLH is increasingly recognized in dengue infection and maybe considered as a differential diagnosis in children with lower hemoglobin, hypoalbuminemia, elevated ALT and severe organ dysfunction.

CD163 as a valuable diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of sepsis-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in critically ill children.

To investigate CD163 as an effective biomarker for identifying and predicting the outcomes of sepsis-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (SAHS) in children. We prospectively enrolled presumed sepsis patients who had developed prolonged fever(>7 days), hepatosplenomegaly, cytopenias, and hyperferritinemia(>500ng/mL) despite antibiotic therapy. Blood samples were collected within 24hours after enrolment. A nested case-control study was performed. The number of patients who fulfilled the HLH-2004 criteria, 28-day mortality outcomes, and 90-day mortality outcomes were recorded. Sixty-nine patients were enrolled in the study. Significant increases in the levels of ferritin and soluble CD163 (sCD163) and the percentage of CD163-positive peripheral blood mononuclear cells (mCD163) and decreases in fibrinogen levels and the percentage of natural killer cells (NK %) were observed in patients with SAHS (n=23) compared with those of patients with sepsis (n=46). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for ferritin combined with sCD163 was superior to the AUC for either ferritin or sCD163 for distinguishing SAHS from sepsis. Moreover, sCD163 was a prognostic factor for 28-day mortality (0.857 [0.659-1.000]). sCD163 is a valuable biomarker for the differential diagnosis of SAHS from sepsis and effectively predicts 28-day mortality in children with SAHS.

PF319 A DUAL CENTRE EXPERIENCE OF HAEMOPHAGOCYTOSIS REVEALS ULTRA-HIGH FERRITIN (&gt;50,000 NG/ML) AND NEUTROPENIA AS PREDICTORS OF MORTALITY

Background: Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a poorly understood entity, characterised by a diffuse array of underlying precipitants and frequent delayed diagnosis despite scoring systems. Patients may be assessed for possible HLH by various specialties including infectious diseases, haematology and rheumatology who have different approaches and familiarity with available treatments and diagnostic tools. Aims: To identify factors in HLH presentation and care correlating to outcomes. Methods: Patients of interest were identified by key phrases “histiocytosis”, “HLH” or “haemophagocytosis” on SIHMDS reports or by diagnostic coding for HLH from 2014–2018. Clinical data was collected from electronic case notes on patients in whom a diagnosis of HLH had been made. Results: Only 29 of 81 bone marrow aspirates reported as having haemophagocytosis had a subsequent HLH diagnosis (PPV 36%). Conversely 5 of 34 patients in whom the diagnosis was made had no evidence of histiocytosis on BM sampling (sensitivity 85%). Clinical data was available on 27 patients diagnosed with HLH. 10 patients had an underlying diagnosis of lymphoma with other precipitants including malignancies and infection. Outcomes were poor with 48% survival at 100 days post presentation. All patients had serum ferritin >500ng/ml on presentation. Peak ferritins of >50,000ng/ml were seen in 9 patients (33%), >10,000ng/ml in 22 (81%). Hyperferritinaemia correlated with mortality: 39% where peak ferritin <50,000ng/ml, 78% if >50,000ng/ml. Cytopenias were defined as Hb<90 g/dl, Neutrophils <1 x 109 or platelets <100 x 109. All patients with monocytopenia survived (n = 4). 10 of 12 patients with trilineage cytopenia died (83%) compared to 4 of 15 patients with 2 or fewer cytopenias (27%). NK cell activity and soluble CD25 quantification were not available on any patients. HLH-2004 scores ranged from 3–6; mean 4.64. Internal referrals had no difference in survival to those transferred from other centres (46 vs 50% respectively) but showed a higher mean HLH-2004 score (4.9 vs 3.8). The most common treatment given was steroids (n = 27, 63%). Only 4 patients (15%) received Anakinra, all having received at least one line of prior therapy. Other treatments were from the HLH-2004 protocol: Etoposide n = 11, 41%; Ciclosporin n = 9, 33%. 4 patients died before any treatment was given. Summary/Conclusion: Haemophagocytosis on bone marrow had a very poor positive predictive value. Sensitivity was also not significantly superior to serum ferritin >10,000 (85 vs 81%). Ferritin was also shown to have a value in outcome prediction as well as diagnosis. Neutropenia was always seen in association with trilineage cytopenias and was predictive of poor outcomes (83 vs 27% mortality). Diagnoses of HLH are being made clinically at scores of <5 (HLH-2004 threshold) due to the lack of availability of tests such as soluble CD25. Although patients not immediately centrally referred had equivalent outcomes this is likely biased by fitness for transfer, and difference in HLH-2004 criteria in these patients. It appears patients are being referred on for diagnostic uncertainty rather than to improve outcomes by centralisation of care and greater availability of targeted therapy and clinical expertise. We are currently collaborating as part of HASC (HLH across speciality collaboration), a national group working to improve knowledge of HLH amongst the general medical population. By encouraging earlier diagnosis and centralised referral we hope to improve outcomes and further establish the role of Anakinra in treating these patients.

Nontuberculous Mycobacterium infection complicated with Haemophagocytic syndrome: a case report and literature review

BackgroundNon-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection is usually observed in patients with immunosuppressive conditions. It may also cause unregulated immune responses. While there have been increasing numbers of reported tuberculosis-related HPS (haemophagocytic syndrome), HPS caused by NTM infection is still very rarely reported.Case presentationWe report a previously healthy 21-year-old Chinese female with fever, night sweats and fatigue, in whom HPS was diagnosed according to the HLH-2004 criteria. Mycobacterium intracellulare was cultured from her peripheral blood. After treatment with corticosteroid, clarithromycin, rifampicin, ethambutol and amikacin, the patient finally recovered. We also reviewed relevant publications on NTM infection complicated with HPS and found 11 cases, including ours. Clinical presentations, diagnoses and prognoses were analysed and summarized to deepen our understanding of this rare condition.ConclusionsMost reported NTM-related cases were caused by disseminated infection. The lack of localized symptoms might add to the difficulty involved in making the right diagnosis. While it usually takes time to obtain tissue or blood culture results, granuloma in a bone marrow biopsy might be an early indicator of possible mycobacterial infection. Although treatment varied, the overall prognosis of NTM-related HPS was promising.

Prevalence and Outcome of Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Among SIRS Patients: Results from a Prospective Cohort Study.

Secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) is a life-threatening condition clinically presenting as SIRS (Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome). However, there is no comprehensive data concerning diagnostic algorithms, prevalence, outcome and biomarker performance in SIRS patients. We conducted a prospective observational cohort study on 451 consecutive patients fulfilling ≥2 SIRS criteria. The Hscore and the HLH-2004 criteria were used to determine the presence of sHLH, and the correlation of the screening-biomarkers ferritin, sCD25, and sCD163 with both scores was assessed. Out of 451 standard-care SIRS patients, five patients had high Hscores (≥169), suggesting incipient or HLH-like disease, and these patients were in urgent need for intensified therapy. However, none of these patients fulfilled five HLH-2004 criteria required for formal diagnosis. From the studied biomarkers, ferritin correlated strongest to both the HLH-2004 criteria and the Hscore (rs = 0.72, 0.41, respectively), and was the best predictor of 30-day survival (HR:1.012 per 100 μg/L, 95% CI: 1.004–1.021), when adjusted for patient’s age, sex, bacteremia and malignant underlying-disease. Also, the HLH-2004 (HR per point increase: 1.435, 95% CI: 1.1012–2.086) and the Hscore (HR per point increase:1.011, 95% CI: 1.002–1.020) were independent predictors of 30-day-survival. The Hscore detected patients in hyperinflammatory states requiring urgent therapy escalation. Degrees of hyperinflammation, as assessed by ferritin and both HLH scores, are associated with worse outcomes.

Higher Fatality for Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Complicated by Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis.

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging infectious zoonosis caused by the SFTS virus. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening syndrome associated with excessive immune activation. Cytokine storms are often seen in both SFTS and HLH, resulting in rapid disease progression and poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to identify whether SFTS cases complicated by HLH are related to higher rates of mortality. Descriptive analysis of the frequency of clinical and laboratory data, complications, treatment outcomes, and HLH-2004 criteria was performed. Cases presenting with five or more clinical or laboratory findings corresponding to the HLH-2004 diagnostic criteria were defined as SFTS cases complicated by HLH. Eighteen cases of SFTS were identified during a 2-year study period, with a case-fatality proportion of 22.2% (4 among 18 cases, 95% confidence interval 9%–45.2%). SFTS cases complicated by HLH were identified in 33.3% (6 among 18 cases). A mortality rate of 75% (3 among 4 cases) was recorded among SFTS cases complicated by HLH. Although there were no statistically significant differences in outcomes, fatal cases exhibited more frequent correlation with HLH-2004 criteria than non-fatal cases [3/14 (21.4%) vs. 3/4 (75%), p=0.083]. In conclusion, the present study suggests the possibility that SFTS cases complicated by HLH are at higher risk of poor prognosis.

Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics and Differential Diagnosis between Secondary Hemophagocytic Syndrome and Sepsis

Background. Secondary hemophagocytic syndrome (SHPS) and sepsis, although very similar in their clinical manifestations and laboratory parameters, essentially differ in terms of methods of their treatment. SHPS therapy is aimed at immunosuppression, whereas in sepsis anti-infectious treatment is required. To choose the correct therapy a rapid differential diagnosis is necessary. Aim. Search and analysis of criteria of differential diagnosis between SHPS and sepsis. Materials &amp; Methods. The data of 102 patients were analyzed: 55 SHPS patients (median age 60 and range 18-81 years) and 47 sepsis patients (median age 60 and range 18-89 years). SHPS was diagnosed on the basis of HLH-2004 and H-Score criteria. Sepsis was confirmed by documented inflammatory lesions and systemic inflammatory reactions. Microbiologically confirmed sepsis was reported in 10 (21 %) patients. In all sepsis patients multiple organ failure was identified. Results. The study of SHPS and sepsis groups revealed significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) in the levels of C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, creatinine, albumin, and sodium. It was also found out that splenomegaly rate and the levels of triglycerides, ferritin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in SHPS were significantly higher than in sepsis, but the levels of glycosylated ferritin (%GF), fibrinogen, leukocytes, neutrophils, and thrombocytes were lower. The following medians (quartiles 1-3) were reported in SHPS and sepsis, respectively: triglycerides (mmol/L) were 3.1 (2.3-3.8) and 1.5 (0.8-2.7), total ferritin (ng/mL) was 7,170 (3,159.2-12,551.0) and 1,274 (559.0-3,041.5), %GF was 26.5 (16.7-37.3) and 54.5 (37.7-71.8), fibrinogen (g/L) was 2.8 (1.4-4.4) and 5.3 (2.8-6.8), ALT (IU/L) was 50 (20-102) and 30 (15.3-55.5), AST (IU/L) was 66 (40.0-105.6) and 36 (24.678.0), leukocytes (x10&lt;sup&gt;9&lt;/sup&gt;/L) were 3.7 (2.1-5.5) and 8.9 (6.5-14.5), thrombocytes (&lt;sup&gt;X&lt;/sup&gt;10&lt;sup&gt;9&lt;/sup&gt;/L) were 56 (25.2-93.5) and 157 (97-308). According to ROC analysis the areas under the curve were as follows: 0.88 for neutrophil level, 0.85 for total ferritin, %GF, leukocytes, and thrombocytes, 0.74 for triglycerides, 0.71 for fibrinogen, 0.65 for sodium, and 0.61 for ALT and AST. Conclusion. In differential diagnosis between SHPS and sepsis most important are the levels of total ferritin, its glycosylated fraction, and triglycerides; less important are fibrinogen, neutrophils, thrombocytes and spleen size. As diagnosis and differential diagnosis between SHPS and sepsis are based on the sum total of clinical and laboratory markers, none of the specified characteristics can serve as a reliable parameter if taken separately.

Intensive care unit complications and outcomes of adult patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: A retrospective study of 16 cases.

AIMTo study the management, complications and outcomes of adult patients admitted with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in the intensive care unit (ICU).METHODSWe performed a retrospective observational study of adult patients with the diagnosis of “HLH” admitted to the two academic medical ICUs of Baylor College of Medicine between 01/01/2013 to 06/30/2017. HLH was diagnosed using the HLH-2004 criteria proposed by the Histiocyte Society.RESULTSSixteen adult cases of HLH were admitted to the medical ICUs over 4 years. Median age of presentation was 49 years and 10 (63%) were males. Median Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score at the time of ICU admission was 10. Median ICU length of stay (LOS) was 11.5 d and median hospital LOS was 29 d. Septic shock and acute respiratory failure accounted for majority of diagnoses necessitating ICU admission. Septic shock was the most common ICU complication seen in (88%) patients, followed by acute kidney injury (81%) and acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation (75%). Nine patients (56%) developed disseminated intravascular coagulation and eight (50%) had acute liver failure. 10 episodes of clinically significant bleeding were observed. Multi system organ failure was the most common cause of death seen in 12 (75%) patients. The 30 d mortality was 37% (6 cases) and 90 d mortality was 81% (13 cases). There was no difference in mortality based on age (above or less than 50 years), SOFA score on ICU admission (more than or less than 10), immunosuppression, time to diagnose HLH or direct ICU admission versus floor transfer.CONCLUSIONHLH is a devastating disease associated with poor outcomes in ICU. Intensivists need to have a high degree of clinical suspicion for HLH in patients with septic shock/multi system organ failure and progressive bi/pancytopenia who are not responding to standard management in ICU.

Clinical Relevance of Diagnostic Criteria for Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and Survival Outcome of Adult HLH Patients: A Single-Center Prospective Cohort Study

IntroductionHemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an immune-mediated life-threatening condition in which activated macrophages phagocytize hematopoietic cells in various clinical situations from physiologic reactions to pathologic conditions such as malignancy. The diagnosis of HLH is currently done according to the HLH-2004 criteria which were mainly based on pediatric experiences even though underlying causes and clinical features of adult patients with HLH are different from pediatric patients. However, there is little information about the value of each item and its clinical relevance in the diagnosis of adult patients. Thus, we analyzed the diagnostic value of HLH-2004 criteria in adult patients who had symptoms or signs suspicious of hemophagocytosis.MethodsWe have conducted a prospective cohort study for adult HLH since January of 2017 (Prospective cohort for adult hemophagocytosis: NCT03117010). Adult patients older than 18 years having at least one of the following problems could be enrolled onto this prospective cohort: 1) Pathologically confirmed hemophagocytosis in bone marrow or lymph nodes; 2) Presence of at least 3 conditions among 8 items of HLH-2004 diagnostic criteria. After obtaining written informed consent, we performed laboratory tests for the diagnosis of HLH including natural killer (NK)-cell activity and soluble CD25 in blood. The primary objective of this study was to explore the feasibility and clinical usefulness of HLH-2004 criteria in adult patients, and secondary objective was to analyze underlying causes and outcomes of adult HLH.ResultsAt the time of analysis, 44 patients were enrolled in the cohort, and their median age was 51.5 years (range, 19-85 years). Male (n=27) was more common than female (n=17). All patients had fever (body temperature ≥ 38.5°C) and splenomegaly was found in 29 patients (66%, Figure 1). Although cytopenia such as neutropenia and thrombocytopenia was commonly found, only 20 patients had bi-lineage cytopenia (45%). Hypofibrinogenemia and/or hypertriglyceridemia were also less common findings (n=18, 41%). Hemophagocytosis in bone marrow or lymph nodes was pathologically confirmed in 27 patients (61%). Elevated serum level of ferritin (≥ 500 mg/L) and soluble CD25 (≥ 2400 U/mL) were 42 (95%) and 35 patients (80%), respectively. Among 33 patients whose NK-cell activity was evaluated, 22 patients had low or absent NK-cell activity (67%). According to diagnostic criteria, 28 patients having at least five conditions were diagnosed with HLH, and the remaining patients including 7 patients with bone marrow hemophagocytosis could not be diagnosed. Among 28 patients with HLH, T/NK-cell (n=8) and B-cell lymphomas (n=7) were the most common underlying disorders (n=15, 54%). Infection including EBV (n=6) and rheumatologic disorders (n=3) accounted for non-malignancy associated HLH whereas the remaining four patients' cause was not identified. At the time of analysis, 14 patients died due to uncontrolled HLH or underlying disorders or infectious complications during treatment. The median overall survival of all patients was 13.9 months (95% CI: 10.9 - 16.9), and patients with HLH was not significantly different from patients without HLH (p=0.655). The survival outcome of patients with lymphoma was significantly worse than patients without it regardless of HLH diagnosis (p<0.001).ConclusionsFever and elevated level of serum ferritin were the most frequent condition in patients having suspicious symptoms of HLH. Low or absent NK-cell activity and increased level of soluble CD25 could have additional diagnostic value for timely diagnosis of adult HLH. Considering lymphoma is frequently associated with adult HLH, immediate evaluation for lymphoma should be done in adult patients suspicious of HLH. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.