OBJECTIVETo investigate the association between rs1799864 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the C-C chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) gene and susceptibility of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in children.

METHODSThe clinical and laboratory data of 86 children diagnosed with HLH between January 2007 and December 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. The CCR2 gene rs1799864 was genotyped by SNaPshot technique in 86 HLH children and 128 healthy controls. The genotypic and allelic frequencies in the two groups were comparatively analyzed.

RESULTSNo significant difference either in genotypic or allelic frequencies of rs1799864 polymorphism of the CCR2 gene was observed between HLH patients and controls (P>0.05), but there were significant differences in the age of onset and the periods of temperature and platelet returning to normal after treatment (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThere is no association between CCR2 gene rs1799864 polymorphism and the risk for HLH in children. However, the genotypic differences of this polymorphism might be associated with clinical characteristics and prognosis of HLH.