A recent clinical challenge (Gastroenterol 2013; 145: 289, 489) regarding a a 78-year-old with a 12-year history of ulcerative colitis serves as a good reminder to remember hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in inflammatory bowel disease patients with high fever, even in the presence of recognized viral infections like cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus which can trigger HLH.  Patients receiving immunosuppressive medications are at risk.

Other clinical points:

• Consider HLH when cytopenias are present in addition to fever
• Ferritin values >10,000 mcg/L serves as a good screen

Take-home point: HLH has a significant mortality rate.  Quick recognition can improve outcome.

Related blog post:

Diagnosing hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis … – gutsandgrowth