The clinico-hematological profile of hairy cell leukaemia: a single centre experience

The response rates and overall survival of hairy cell leukemia has changed remarkably with cladribine. Twenty patients diagnosed as hairy cell leukemia over a 5 year period were evaluated. Median age of the patients was 52.5 years. Splenomegaly was seen in 85% and hepatomegaly in 50% patients. At presentation, pancytopenia was seen in 45% and bicytopenia in 20% patients. Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase was positive in 73.68%. Cladribine was given in 13 patients. Overall survival was 84.6%. Median duration of follow-up was 17 months (4-108 months). Direct Coombs' test positive autoimmune hemolytic anemia was seen in two patients (15.38%) on cladribine therapy who required treatment with steroids.