Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a hyper immunoinflammatory, hyperferritinemic condition characterized by uncontrolled activation and proliferation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD8) and histiocytes that secrete large amounts of inflammatory cytokines. This leads to injury to cells and organ systems which ultimately lead to multiorgan failure. The mortality rate of HLH is suggested to be around 20-60% depending on aetiology. Patients admitted to intensive care typically have higher mortality rates than those that occur outside of intensive care.
