@article {Sen279, author = {Ethan S Sen and Colin G Steward and Athimalaipet V Ramanan}, title = {Diagnosing haemophagocytic syndrome}, volume = {102}, number = {3}, pages = {279--284}, year = {2017}, doi = {10.1136/archdischild-2016-310772}, publisher = {BMJ Publishing Group Ltd}, abstract = {Haemophagocytic syndrome, or haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), is a hyperinflammatory disorder characterised by uncontrolled activation of the immune system. It can result from mutations in multiple genes involved in cytotoxicity or occur secondary to a range of infections, malignancies or autoimmune rheumatic diseases. In the latter case, it is also known as macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). Characteristic features are persistent fever, hepatosplenomegaly, petechial/purpuric rash, progressive cytopenias, coagulopathy, transaminitis, raised C reactive protein, falling erythrocyte sedimentation rate, hypertriglyceridaemia, hypofibrinogenaemia and extreme hyperferritinaemia often associated with multi-organ impairment. Distinguishing HLH from systemic sepsis can present a major challenge. Criteria for diagnosis and classification of HLH and MAS are available and a serum ferritin \>10 000 {\textmu}g/L is strongly supportive of HLH. Without early recognition and appropriate treatment, HLH is almost universally fatal. However, with prompt referral and advancements in treatment over the past two decades, outcomes have greatly improved.}, issn = {0003-9888}, URL = {https://adc.bmj.com/content/102/3/279}, eprint = {https://adc.bmj.com/content/102/3/279.full.pdf}, journal = {Archives of Disease in Childhood} }