Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: A Scourge for the Physician and Bane to the Bone Marrow

Background: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a condition characterized by hyperinflammation. It can occur due to primary genetic defect or secondary to other etiology such as infection and rheumatological conditions. Clinical features include fever, cytopenia, organomegaly and several laboratory abnormalities. It can be a life-threatening condition secondary to worsening cytopenia and multiorgan dysfunction. Aims and Objectives: To study the clinical profile of HLH in a tertiary care hospital in Southern India. Materials and Methods: Our study has reviewed nine cases of HLH among adult patients presented over 5 years (2017-2022). Results: The majority of our cases were secondary to infection and had a hospital stay over two weeks and with a good response to steroid and immunomodulators. Conclusion: We would like to stress upon the importance of awareness of such a condition so that there can be early suspicion and workup including bone marrow examination, enabling early initiating of specific therapy for this fatal condition.