Intravenous anakinra for the treatment of haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis/macrophage activation syndrome: A systematic review

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundHaemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) or macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) has a potentially high mortality rate. Anakinra, an interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist, is now recommended early in HLH/MAS, with intravenous (IV) use proposed in critically unwell patients. This systematic review establishes the literature relating to IV anakinra in secondary HLH/MAS (sHLH/MAS).MethodsWe screened Embase, PubMed, and Medline, including all reports of IV anakinra for HLH or MAS. We extracted age, HLH/MAS trigger, continuous infusion or bolus dosing, and survival.ResultsTwenty‐nine case reports/series identified 87 patients (median age 22 years, range 22 months to 84 years), all with sHLH. Amongst identifiable triggers, 43% were systemic infection, 33% rheumatological, 9% oncological. Children had predominantly a rheumatological trigger (48%), whilst adults were more commonly infection‐driven (50%). Overall, rheumatologically triggered disease showed greater survival (83.3%), particularly compared with oncological triggers (42.9%). Children had a greater survival, particularly under 10 years (83%, vs. adults, 63%).ConclusionsDespite IV anakinra recipients likely to be critically unwell, this cohort had similar disease triggers and survival compared to large historical cohorts, and enhances awareness of age and trigger‐specific survival patterns. IV anakinra had a wide therapeutic dosing range and tolerability, regardless of trigger, demonstrating substantial utility in severe sHLH/MAS.