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Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Analysis of Retinoic Acid-induced Neural Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells in Two and Three-dimensional Embryoid Bodies
Published on: April 22, 2017
Retinoic acid syndrome: a review.
1Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford, OK 73103, USA. edna.patatanian@swosu.edu
Retinoic acid syndrome (RAS) affects 14-16% of acute promyelocytic leukemia patients treated with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), with a 2% mortality. Early detection and steroid treatment are critical for managing this complication.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Retinoic acid syndrome (RAS) is a frequent complication of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) therapy.
- It most commonly occurs in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the incidence, predictive factors, clinical course, outcome, and treatment of RAS in APL patients receiving ATRA.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on RAS in APL patients treated with ATRA.
Main Results:
- RAS incidence is approximately 14-16% with a 2% mortality.
- Predictive factors include high or rapidly increasing white blood cell (WBC) count and CD13 expression.
- Concurrent chemotherapy may reduce RAS risk but can worsen bleeding complications.
Conclusions:
- Prompt steroid administration at the first sign of RAS symptoms is critical.
- Prophylactic steroids are not recommended.
- Liposomal ATRA is under investigation for APL treatment to reduce RAS incidence.
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