Secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis versus cytokine release syndrome in severe COVID-19 patients.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-24-2020

Institution/Department

Internal Medicine

Journal Title

Experimental biology and medicine (Maywood, N.J.)

MeSH Headings

Humans, Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic, Cytokine Release Syndrome, COVID-19, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2

Abstract

IMPACT STATEMENT: Severe COVID-19 associated pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome has recently been described with life-threatening features of cytokine storm and loosely referred to as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) or macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). Although a recent report indicated favorable responses to the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, anakinra in eight patients with COVID-19 secondary HLH diagnosed using the HScore calculation, others have suggested that the diagnosis of secondary HLH is uncommon and that the use of the HScore has limited value in guiding immunomodulatory therapy for COVID-19. Here, we provide additional perspective on this important controversy based upon comparisons between 14 COVID-19 cytokine storm patients and 10 secondary HLH patients seen immediately prior to the pandemic. We hypothesize that identification of HLH may relate to the severity or timing of cytokine release and suggest distinguishing between cytokine release syndrome and secondary HLH, reserving the latter term for cases fulfilling diagnostic criteria.

ISSN

1535-3699

First Page

1535370220962043

Last Page

1535370220962043

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