The 2022 EULAR/ACR points to consider at the early stages of diagnosis and management of suspected haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis/macrophage activation syndrome (HLH/MAS).

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) are life-threatening systemic hyperinflammatory syndromes that can develop in most inflammatory contexts. They can progress rapidly, and early identification and management are critical for preventing organ failure and mortality. This effort aimed to develop evidence-based and consensus-based points to consider to assist clinicians in optimising decision-making in the A multinational, multidisciplinary task force of physician experts, including adult and paediatric rheumatologists, haematologist/oncologists, immunologists, infectious disease specialists, intensivists, allied healthcare professionals and patients/parents, formulated relevant research questions and conducted a systematic literature review (SLR). Delphi methodology, informed by SLR results and questionnaires of experts, was used to generate statements aimed at assisting early decision-making and optimising the initial care of patients with HLH/MAS. The task force developed 6 overarching statements and 24 specific points to consider relevant to early recognition of HLH/MAS, diagnostic approaches, initial management and monitoring of HLH/MAS. Major themes included the simultaneous need for prompt syndrome recognition, systematic evaluation of underlying contributors, early intervention targeting both hyperinflammation and likely contributors, careful monitoring for progression/complications and expert multidisciplinary assistance. These 2022 EULAR/American College of Rheumatology points to consider provide up-to-date guidance, based on the best available published data and expert opinion. They are meant to help guide the initial evaluation, management and monitoring of patients with HLH/MAS in order to halt disease progression and prevent life-threatening immunopathology.

Informations de copyright

© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.

Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts

Competing interests: CA participated in a DSMB for Sobi and OPNA. HB received consulting fees from FirstThought, Guidepoint and Kriya Therapeutics. EMB received research support from AB2Bio and consulting fees from Sobi and Genzyme. SWC received research support from Novartis and AB2Bio, has performed consulting for Simcha and Apollo therapeutics and received travel support from Sobi. RQC has received research support from Sobi, consulting fees from Sironax, speakers’ bureau payments from Sobi and Lilly, participated on the DSMB for Sobi, Pfizer and AbbVie. RG-M has received reseach support from IFM, Lilly, Sobi and Regeneron, and participates on a DSMB for AstraZeneca. AG has received research support from Sobi, Novartis and Novimmune, royalties from UpToDate, consulting fees from Ethos, payments from Novartis for educational materials. LAH has received research support from BMS and Sobi, consulting fees from Sobi, Pfizer and Adaptive Biotechnologies. MH has received research support from Incyte. AH has received honoraria from Sobi and Novartis. RAM has received honoraria for PracticePoint Communications, and participates on the DSMB for Horizon. KEN has received research support from Incyte and owns stock in Incyte. AR has received honoraria from AbbVie, Alexion, Novartis, Pfizer, Reckitt, Benckiser and Sobi. GS has received consulting fees from Sobi and Novartis. SV has received research support from Sobi, consulting fees from Sobi and Novartis.