Macrophage activation syndrome

Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS) is a severe, potentially life-threatening condition where the immune system becomes overactive. Normally, immune cells called macrophages help fight infections, but in MAS, they become excessively activated, producing a flood of inflammatory substances. This leads to widespread inflammation, fever, liver trouble, blood clotting issues, and low blood cell counts. MAS is often linked to autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, and requires prompt medical treatment to control the immune response and prevent organ damage.