HLH
Also written as: HLH — Haemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis
Acronym for Haemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis, a severe hyperinflammatory syndrome characterised by uncontrolled macrophage and T-cell activation.
Full Definition
HLH is the universally used abbreviation for haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in paediatric pathology, haematology, and intensive care literature. It appears in diagnostic criteria documents, bone marrow biopsy reports, and paediatric oncology protocols. Editors must expand HLH to its full form at first occurrence and take care that it is not confused with other paediatric cardiology acronyms—most importantly HLHS (hypoplastic left heart syndrome). Both abbreviations appear in paediatric pathology and paediatric medicine documents, making disambiguation critical. HLH is not pluralised and is always upper-case.
Usage
Usage note: Critical disambiguation: HLH (haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis) must not be confused with HLHS (hypoplastic left heart syndrome). Always expand both acronyms on first use.
In Context
- "The clinical team suspected HLH based on a ferritin level exceeding 10,000 µg/L and pancytopenia." — Paediatric intensive care unit note
- "The proof-reader flagged that HLH appeared twice in the abstract without expansion; the full form haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis must precede its first abbreviated use." — Manuscript review note