Investigating hemophagocytosis in critically ill adults

Hemophagocytosis in Critically Ill Adult Patients With Cytopenias

University of Ulm · NCT01913938

This study is trying to see if critically ill adults with low blood cell counts and signs of a serious condition called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis respond to a specific treatment to help improve their situation.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Ulm (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations2 sites (Ulm and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT01913938 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to determine the relationship between non-responsiveness to recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulation factor (rhG-CSF) and hemophagocytosis in critically ill adult patients experiencing cytopenias. It focuses on whether adults with bicytopenia or pancytopenia who meet clinical criteria for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) exhibit life-threatening hemophagocytosis. The study will analyze the responsiveness to rhG-CSF therapy in these patients to better understand the condition's implications.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are critically ill adults over 18 years old with leukopenia and thrombocytopenia receiving rhG-CSF therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with a life expectancy of less than 24 hours, those involved in other studies, or those with certain hematologic disorders or malignancies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the understanding and management of hemophagocytosis in critically ill adults, potentially leading to better treatment strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While hemophagocytosis has been studied primarily in children, this approach in adults is less explored, making it a novel investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age \> 18 years
* critically ill adult patients
* leukopenia and thrombocytopenia
* rhG-CSF therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

* life expectancy \< 24 hours
* inclusion in other studies
* trauma patients with reanimation on scene or immediately dying on hospital admission
* pregnancy
* hematologic disorder, malignancy
* high dose corticosteroid treatment or chemotherapy

Where this trial is running

Ulm and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Hemophagocytosis, Hemophagocytosis, adults, rhG-CSF

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.