CLASS-HLH V1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Using clinical and biological information to investigate the aetiopathogenesis of Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)
IRAS ID
333580
Contact name
Jessica Manson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare immune disorder where the body reacts inappropriately to a ‘trigger’, usually an infection. Specialised white blood cells (known as T-cells and macrophages) become over-activated, causing severe inflammation and damage to tissues and organs such as the liver, the spleen and the bone marrow. HLH is a rare disease and it can be difficult to diagnose because many of the symptoms can mimic severe infection or other conditions. Treatment is usually coordinated by a specialist team experienced in treating rare immune disorders. The priority of treatment is to damp down (suppress) the immune system to reduce the over-reaction and lessen the risk of tissue and organ damage. This will often involve courses of corticosteroids and chemotherapy medicines, usually given into a vein (intravenously) in hospital. Understanding of HLH has increased, and the diagnosis and survival rates have improved significantly. However, HLH remains a rapidly progressive disease that is relatively poorly understood. The findings of this study will help healthcare professionals and scientists to better understand HLH. In the future, this will hopefully result in quicker recognition, better diagnostics tools and better treatments for HLH.
REC name
Wales REC 5
REC reference
24/WA/0235
Date of REC Opinion
25 Oct 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion