[Treatment of acute leukemia: usefulness of an immunodepressed unit]

A special unit for immune-depressed patients was used in the treatment of acute leukemia in 33 patients. Results of therapy were compared to those in 30 historical controls treated in a general ward. Both groups were comparable regarding age, sex, type of leukemia and severity of bone marrow depression. The incidence of fever and the percentage of complete remission were higher in patients treated in the unit, including patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The remission rate in the subgroup of patients with acute myeloid leukemia was not improved. Mortality rates were also not different. We recommend the use of this unit for treatment of patients with acute leukemia, given the lower infection rate and the higher probability of remission.