Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in COVID-19: Case reports of a stepwise approach

RATIONALE: The immunologic syndrome induced by severe acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is yet not fully understood. Typical patterns of clinical and laboratory features match secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH). However, the optimal approach to COVID-19 patients testing positive for sHLH is still unclear.

PATIENT CONCERNS: Three patients with COVID-19 are reviewed. All showed hyperinflammation and cytokine storm, necessitating intensive care treatment including mechanical ventilation.

DIAGNOSIS: Secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis due to severe COVID-19; diagnosed via HScore.

INTERVENTIONS: A treatment regimen of methylprednisolone, pentaglobin, and anakinra was developed and administered.

OUTCOMES: One patient survived the ICU stay. Two other patients, in whom sHLH was diagnosed too late, deceased.

LESSONS: A routine screening of COVID-19 patients for secondary HLH by using the HScore is feasible; especially those patients deteriorating clinically with no sufficient response to shock management might be at particular high risk. A stepwise therapeutic approach comprising corticosteroids, immunoglobulins and anakinra, accompanied by immunoadsorption, may dampen cytokine storm effects, and potentially reduce mortality.