Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: A Case Series From a Tertiary State Hospital in Malaysia and a Review of Current Literature

Introduction: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a lethal emergency. Delays in diagnosis and treatment are detrimental to the health of patients. Classical clinical manifestations of HLH include fever, cytopenia, liver dysfunction, central nervous system involvement, and coagulopathy.

Methods: We report seven cases of secondary HLH in adults diagnosed from a total of 1200 bone marrow aspiration and trephine biopsy (BMAT) examinations in our center, with various presentations and underlying triggers including infection, malignancy, and autoimmune disease.

Results: HLH can present with non-specific signs and symptoms.

Conclusion: Early recognition of HLH is crucial to enable the commencement of therapy as early as possible to prevent mortality resulting from multi-organ failure.