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Two cases of pediatric essential thrombocythemia managed effectively with hydroxyurea
Vikas Dua1, Satya Prakash Yadav, Vijay Kumar
1Pediatric Hematology Oncology and BMT Unit, Department of Pediatrics Institute of Child Health, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Rajender Nagar, New Delhi, 110060, India.
Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is rare in children. Two pediatric cases presented with high platelet counts, with one child experiencing symptoms. Both responded well to hydroxyurea treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- Thrombocytosis is frequently observed in pediatric patients.
- Essential thrombocythemia (ET), a myeloproliferative neoplasm, is an uncommon cause of pediatric thrombocytosis.
Observation:
- This report details two pediatric cases of essential thrombocythemia (ET) in a 5-year-old and a 10-year-old.
- Both children presented with significantly elevated platelet counts exceeding 1,000,000/mm³.
Findings:
- One child had a platelet count over 1,500,000/mm³, while the other experienced symptomatic recurrent headaches.
- Both patients demonstrated a positive response to hydroxyurea therapy at a dosage of 15-30 mg/kg/day and tolerated the medication well.
Implications:
- Hydroxyurea can be an effective treatment for pediatric essential thrombocythemia (ET).
- Early diagnosis and management are crucial for improving outcomes in children with ET.
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