COVID-19 and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: A review of the intersection of viral infection and hyperinflammation

Abstract

Severe cases of COVID-19 often result in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and life-threatening pneumonia. Individuals with severe COVID-19 frequently display a hyperinflammatory immune response, which shares overlapping features with conditions such as secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) and macrophage activation syndrome. This review delves into the hyperinflammatory immune response observed in severe COVID-19, compares its similarities and differences with sHLH, and investigates potential reasons for these distinctions.