Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH):
Former Afghanistan fast bowler Shapoor Zadran died at the age of 38 recently after battling Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare immune system disorder.
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH):
- It is a rare but serious condition in which the body’s immune system becomes overactive.
- Instead of protecting the body from infections, the immune system starts attacking healthy tissues and organs.
- This causes severe inflammation that can affect the liver, spleen, bone marrow, brain, and other parts of the body.
- The condition can become life-threatening if left untreated.
- HLH can occur for different reasons. It is mainly divided into two types:
- Primary (Familial) HLH:
- This type is caused by genetic changes passed down from parents.
- It usually appears during infancy or early childhood, although it can sometimes develop later in life.
- Secondary (Acquired) HLH:
- This type develops due to medical conditions that trigger the immune system.
- Primary (Familial) HLH:
- Common triggers include:
- Viral infections such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Certain bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections
- Autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- Blood cancers such as lymphoma or leukemia
- A weakened immune system due to certain medications or medical conditions
- Treatment:
- HLH treatment depends on the cause, the patient’s age when the disease starts, and how severe the disease is.
- Chemotherapy and cancer drugs, immunotherapy, steroids that fight inflammation, antibiotics, and antiviral drugs are all mentioned as part of the treatment protocol.
