Overview
Hypereosinophilic (hy-per-ee-o-SIN-o-phil-ik) syndrome (HES) is a group of blood disorders that occur when you have high numbers of eosinophils — white blood cells that play an important role in your immune system. Over time, the excess eosinophils enter various tissues, eventually damaging your organs.
The most common targets are the skin, lungs, digestive tract, heart, blood and nervous system. Untreated, HES can become life-threatening.
HES can affect anyone. But it occurs more often in men, usually between the ages of 20 and 50.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary, depending on what part of your body is affected. Skin signs and symptoms include itching and rashes. If your lungs are affected, you may be short of breath and have a cough.
Hypereosinophilic syndrome care at Mayo Clinic
June 20, 2017
References
- AskMayoExpert. Eosinophilia, hypereosinophilia, and hypereosinophilic syndrome. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2016.
- Roufosse F, et al. Hypereosinophilic syndromes: Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 9, 2017.
- Weller PF, et al. Approach to the patient with unexplained eosinophilia. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 9, 2017.
- Roufosse F, et al. Hypereosinophilic syndromes: Treatment. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 9, 2017.
- Roufosse F. Management of hypereosinophilic syndromes. Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America. 2015;35:561.
- Saag KG, et al. Major side effects of glucocorticoids. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 9, 2017.
- Brown A. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 24, 2017.
Hypereosinophilic syndrome