Characteristics and Outcomes of Adult Patients with Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Depending on Malignancy Etiology

Abstract

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) may be secondary to cancer or other conditions in adults. We aimed to compare characteristics and outcomes of secondary HLH depending on cancer status among adults. Weight loss over 10 %, headache and enlarged lymph nodes were more frequent in malignant- HLH (M-HLH). Higher phosphatase alkaline level and CRP level were present in M-HLH. Mortality rate tended to be higher in M-HLH group in the first month and during the two years follow-up. Some clinical features and biological abnormalities are associated with an increased probability of malignancy in secondary HLH among adults.