Multimodal analysis for optimized characterization of adult critically ill patients with secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis

• Applicant: Privatdozent Dr. Gunnar Lachmann
• Subject Area: Anaesthesiology
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 528476227

Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in adult critically ill patients is a major relevant but underrecognized cause of death in intensive care units. The currently available evidence in adults remains still very scarce, contributing to misdiagnosis and patient death. The limited understanding of the disease further contributes to the lack of targeted treatment options. The consequently urgent need for comprehensive investigation of three significant knowledge gaps becomes clear: • Diagnostic biomarkers • Pathogenesis • Pathophysiology Most of our knowledge about its pathogenesis, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment is derived from clinical and scientific studies of primary HLH in early childhood. Our research project will close these knowledge gaps via an exploratory design by analyzing already obtained blood and bone marrow samples, and will provide important data to aid patient diagnosis, treatment stratification, and also as a foundational basis for follow-up investigation: a validation study and development of targeted therapies.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants