Histiocytosis syndromes in children: II. Approach to the clinical and laboratory evaluation of children with Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Clinical Writing Group of the Histiocyte Society

Abstract

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) has presented problems in diagnosis and in treatment. The definitive diagnosis is a pathologic one. To advance thorough and uniform assessment of these patients, the elements of a complete clinical and laboratory evaluation are presented by the Histiocyte Society. Adoption of a uniform clinical/laboratory approach to these children, coupled with agreed-upon steps to the pathologic identification of LCH, should result in a better understanding and ultimately better and more rational therapies for the disease.