Disorder - Haemophagocytic syndrome

Organ Systems Involved
Cardiovascular

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Chediak-Higashi syndrome

Alternative Names
Haemophagic histiocytosis

Presenting Signs

In this condition, the immune system is dysregulated. This results in uncontrolled and ineffective immune activation, which leads to cell damage and the dysfunction of a range of organs. The cells responsible for this are macrophages (the immune cells in the blood responsible for destroying foreign or pathogenic material). These engulf and destroy other blood cells, causing a deficiency in at least two other types of cells.

Affected cats show a number of generalised symptoms. These may be fever, lethargy, weakness, weight loss, vomiting, pale mucous membranes (the moist surfaces such as the gums), and an enlarged spleen (or other organs).

Cats at Risk

Cats with any pre-existing infection, immune-mediated disease or cancer are at a higher risk of developing this syndrome. These disorders often ’set off‘ the disease.

Breeds Affected
Manx


Treatment

Medical: haemophagocytic syndrome is a highly fatal disease if untreated. Treatment of any underlying conditions should be initiated first. Subsequent to this the aim of therapy is suppression of the increased immune response using immunosuppressive agents.

PubMed References
Haemophagocytic syndrome

Contributor
Tristan Maugueret