Profile and Outcome of Hyperleukocytosis in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Experience From a Tertiary Center in India

Clinical and laboratory effects of exchange transfusion in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia with hyperleukocytosis

“…Hyperleukocytosis, reported in 9-13% of children with ALL, is one of the complications and a risk factor for early morbidity and mortality, as well as poor outcomes. 10,11 Hyperleukocytosis has an event-free survival rate as low as 63.3%, vs. 100% in patients with a white blood cell (WBC) count below 100x10 9 /L. [11][12][13] Patients who initially present with hyperleukocytosis are also at risk of developing early problems, resulting in a 20% death rate during remission induction treatment.…”

“…All of these conditions can lead to further life-threatening issues for the patient, such as leukostasis and tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). 10,13 Leukostasis, which manifests as respiratory and neurologic complications, is present in <10% of patients with a leukocyte count below 400x10 9 /L. 12 This syndrome, which presents as hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, and hypocalcemia, is the result of rapid cancer cell turnover that releases intracellular ions.…”