ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the main factors influencing prognosis of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in children by summarizing the clinical features of HLH and investigating the relationship between relevant factors and prognosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The medical data of 63 children with HLH were retrospectively reviewed. Kaplan-Meier method was employed to draw survival curves. Factors influencing prognosis were assessed with Cox univariate analysis, and Cox multivariate analysis was done on statistically significant factors.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The 3-year and 5-year survival rates were both 62.9%. The survival rate decreased from 98.4% at 1 day after definite diagnosis to 73.2% at 4 months. Univariate analysis demonstrated only one factor, which was that the condition of platelet recovery after treatment of 2 to 3 weeks was significantly related to prognosis (P=0.002). In children receiving etoposide therapy, temperature recovery after one day of treatment was significantly related to prognosis (P=0.016).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Children with HLH have a satisfactory prognosis, but the survival rate reduces rapidly in the first 4 months after definite diagnosis. Platelet recovery after treatment of 2 to 3 weeks and temperature recovery after one day of treatment are factors influencing prognosis of HLH in children.</p>