Polyamine concentrations in bone marrow aspirates of children with leukemia and other malignancies

High-pressure liquid chromatography analysis of polyamines in bone narrow from leukemic and nonleukemic subjects demonstrated increased concentrations of putrescine, spermidine, and spermine associated with increased cellularity. The most striking abnormality was the marked elevation of putrescine. Bone marrow polyamine analysis may be an adjunct for evaluation of leukemia patients.