Hemophagocytosis can occur as a result of multiple etiologies: viral, bacterial, parasitic (Infectious), malignant, autoimmune, and familial. Hemophagocytic syndromes are associated with a high mortality (30-45%) dependent on etiology and degree of associated organ failure. Malignancy associated and familial hemophagocytic syndromes have a worse prognosis than infection associated.

In general therapy is supportive with treatment of the underlying disorder. High dose corticosteroids, immunoglobulins, plasmapheresis and other immue-modulating treatments such as etoposide are used in treatment. One would need to monitor CBC, liver function tests, renal function tests and clinical examination serially to assess improvement. Occasionally a bone marrow may be required to check for hemophagocytes in marrow. Other parameters such as fibrinogen, triglycerides, cholesterol, ferrtin etc should also be monitored.