Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis, Macrophage Activation Syndrome, and Hyperferritinemic Sepsis-Induced Multiple-Organ Dysfunction Syndrome in the Pediatric ICU

Children with secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to the intensivist. Management of this condition can be facilitated with a collaborative approach among a team of intensivists, immunologists, rheumatologists, hematologists, and infectious disease specialists. Controversy over management approach commonly centers on incomplete understanding at the time of clinical presentation regarding individual patient differences in inflammation pathobiology that require different therapies. This review provides the clinician with the rationale for personalizing care for these critically ill children.