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Living with Familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type 1

A rare inherited immune condition with overactive immune cells, starting within months or years after birth.

Understanding Familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type 1

Familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL) is a rare primary immunodeficiency with an overactive immune cell response called macrophage activation syndrome.

It usually starts within a few months after birth, and less often several years after birth.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet.

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    Immune Deficiency Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
Expert care
Expert lists: Immune Deficiency Foundation
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with Immune Deficiency Foundation
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Can genetic testing confirm the type of FHL?
What treatments are available, including a bone marrow transplant?
Which specialists should be on the care team?

Quick facts

GARD doesn't describe a cause for this condition yet.

Also known as: erythrophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, familial; fhl1; hemophagocytic reticulosis, familial; hlh1; hplh1; reticulosis, familial histiocytic

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type 1GARD ID 6590 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type 1.

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Explore research for Familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type 1

Explore actively recruiting Familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type 1 studies with HealthSpark.

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  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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