Cytokine Storms, Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis and Hyperferritinemic Syndromes: Clinical Management

Dear Colleagues,

Cytokine storm syndromes (CSS) encompass a range of conditions characterized by uncontrolled inflammation and hypercytokinemia. Various mechanisms lead to different CSS, the form and nature of which are mainly governed by host-intrinsic factors, environmental triggers and the pathological context.

Two CSS have been recently highlighted: cytokine release syndrome associated with CAR T cell treatment and CSS associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, the best known and most studied CSS remains lymphohistiocytic haemophagocytosis (HLH). HLH is classically divided into two categories: primary HLH due to genetic mutations, and secondary HLH (sHLH), which is termed MAS when it is associated with rheumatic underlying disease. sHLH is a life-threatening condition that may accompany sepsis (either viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic), Still’s disease, systemic lupus or cancers. The overall mortality of HLH is about 30–40%, depending on the underlying condition.

Several CSS share the common feature of increased serum ferritin that can reach extreme values, and some authors have proposed to group them under the umbrella term “hyperferritinaemic syndromes”.

Advances in molecular biology, NGS, the rise of immunomonitoring and targeted therapies, as well as the increase in knowledge about CSS have greatly changed the way they are viewed and managed.

This Special Issue entitled “Cytokine Storms, Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis and Hyperferritinemic Syndromes: From Basic Science to Patient Care” of the Journal of Clinical Medicine is now open for submissions. This issue welcomes all types of papers* on the broad spectrum of pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, prognosis (biomarkers), and management. This Special Issue aims to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of current knowledge.

*Guest editors will not accept case reports. Some case series accompanied by high-level literature review will be considered. Viewpoints from recognized experts are welcome.

Dr. Jamilloux Yvan
Dr. Maël Heiblig
Guest Editors

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