the journey ahead

Understanding
primary HLH
Finding out that you or your loved one have primary HLH can be overwhelming. The following information is for you and your family to learn about primary HLH, its symptoms, and what you might expect after diagnosis.
What is primary HLH?
Primary HLH is a rare genetic condition, which means it can be passed down in families. It usually affects babies and young children, but it can affect older children and adults as well.
Primary HLH is caused by a genetic mutation that keeps the immune system from working properly.
- When the immune system is working properly, it finds and attacks foreign invaders like viruses and bacteria to protect the body
- In people with primary HLH, the immune system doesn’t work right. It attacks a person’s own cells and organs instead
primary hemo phagocytic lympho histiocytosis
genetic/inherited(also called familial)
blood
cells that eat
relating to the lymphatic system
an excess of macrophages (a type of white blood cell)
What is the difference between primary and secondary HLH?
While researchers are still working to fully understand HLH, so far it is known to exist in 2 main types: primary and secondary.
Although the symptoms for both may be similar, it is thought that each has a different cause and may require different approaches to treatment.
Watch to understand how primary HLH is identified and treated.