Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis during pregnancy: a case presentation and literature review

Objectives: Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a potentially fatal disorder of the immune system that typically occurs in the paediatric population. Diagnosing this rare disease in the adult population is challenging, particularly during pregnancy.

Case presentation: We present a case of a gravid patient developing HLH at week 13 of gestation undergoing a medical termination of pregnancy at 27 weeks due to anhydramnios and associated stopped foetal growth.

Conclusions: Disease triggers could vary from a simple viral infection to the pregnancy as such causing the disorder. Treatment should benefit the mother and limit the foetal harm.