Hypereosinophilia in the intensive care setting

Abstract

Hypereosinophilia (HE) (> 1.5 x 10⁹/L) is not rare and should not be neglected in life-threatening emergencies. Rather, HE (whatever the underlying cause) can be responsible for life and/or organ-threatening manifestations (especially in case of cardiac, respiratory, vascular, or neurologic involvement). Complementary investigations should be tailored according to the timing of onset of HE and to the severity of symptoms. In case of organ or life-threatening organ involvement induced by HE, the etiological workup should not delay the implementation of emergency therapies (i.e., corticosteroids, antiparasitic drugs +/- anticoagulants), along with the treatment of the underlying condition whenever possible.