HEMOPHAGOCYTIC LYMPHOHISTIOCYTOSES Meaning and
Definition
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Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare and life-threatening disorder characterized by an overactive immune system that causes the body's immune cells, known as histiocytes and lymphocytes, to attack healthy tissues and organs. It is a highly aggressive condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender, although it is most commonly diagnosed in infants and young children.
In HLH, the immune system becomes abnormally activated and releases excessive amounts of cytokines, which are proteins that regulate immune responses. This leads to widespread inflammation and damage to various organs such as the liver, spleen, bone marrow, and central nervous system.
The hallmark feature of HLH is the presence of hemophagocytosis, wherein the activated immune cells engulf and destroy blood cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This results in low levels of these cells in the bloodstream, leading to anemia, low immune function, and an increased risk of infection and bleeding.
Common symptoms of HLH include persistent high fever, enlarged liver and spleen, skin rashes, jaundice, neurological abnormalities, and a decrease in overall functioning. If left untreated, HLH can rapidly progress and lead to organ failure and death.
Early diagnosis and treatment of HLH are crucial to improve patient outcomes. Treatment typically involves a combination of immunosuppressive medications to control the immune response, chemotherapy to suppress abnormal cell growth, and supportive care to manage complications.
In summary, Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis is a rare and severe immune disorder characterized by an overactive immune system, inflammation, organ damage, and abnormal destruction of blood cells. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential for managing this life-threatening condition
Common Misspellings for HEMOPHAGOCYTIC LYMPHOHISTIOCYTOSES
- gemophagocytic lymphohistiocytoses
- bemophagocytic lymphohistiocytoses
- nemophagocytic lymphohistiocytoses
- jemophagocytic lymphohistiocytoses
- uemophagocytic lymphohistiocytoses
- yemophagocytic lymphohistiocytoses
- hwmophagocytic lymphohistiocytoses
- hsmophagocytic lymphohistiocytoses
- hdmophagocytic lymphohistiocytoses
- hrmophagocytic lymphohistiocytoses
- h4mophagocytic lymphohistiocytoses
- h3mophagocytic lymphohistiocytoses
- henophagocytic lymphohistiocytoses
- hekophagocytic lymphohistiocytoses
- hejophagocytic lymphohistiocytoses
- hemiphagocytic lymphohistiocytoses
- hemkphagocytic lymphohistiocytoses
- hemlphagocytic lymphohistiocytoses
- hempphagocytic lymphohistiocytoses
- hem0phagocytic lymphohistiocytoses
Etymology of HEMOPHAGOCYTIC LYMPHOHISTIOCYTOSES
The word "Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytoses" is a medical term used to describe a group of rare and life-threatening diseases. Let's break down its etymology:
1. Hemo-: The prefix "hemo-" is derived from the Greek word "haima", which means blood. medical terms, it is often associated with blood-related or hematological conditions.
2. -phagocytic: The suffix "-phagocytic" comes from the Greek word "phagein", which means "to eat". It refers to the process of engulfing and digesting foreign substances or cells. this context, it indicates the abnormal behavior of certain immune cells that attack and engulf blood cells.
3. Lympho-: The prefix "lympho-" is derived from the Latin word "lympha", which refers to a clear fluid found in lymphatic vessels.
