hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis A rare, cancer-like disorder resulting from an impaired immune system in which macrophages and lymphocytes grow abnormally and accumulate in the body’s organs, including the liver, spleen, bone marrow, central nervous system, and skin. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis can be an inherited condition, or it can occur as a result of immunosuppression (as in organ transplants) or infection. Most patients are infants or young children. Treatment involves chemotherapy and in some cases bone-marrow transplantation. See also histiocytosis.