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[SOME CYTOGENETIC PARAMETERS IN CHILDREN WITH ACUTE LEUKEMIA ASSOCIATED WITH COVID-19 INFECTION (CASE REPORTS)]
A Zedginidze1, A Shengelaia2, S Jashiashvili2
11Ivane Beritashvili Center for Experimental Biomedicine; Georgia.
Insights
This study observed six children with acute leukemia following COVID-19 infection. Chromosomal abnormalities in leukemia cells suggest COVID-19 may accelerate or trigger childhood leukemia development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Virology
- Genetics
Background:
- Investigating the potential link between COVID-19 infection and the development of acute leukemia in children.
- Examining hematological and genetic profiles of pediatric leukemia patients with concurrent or preceding SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Observation:
- Six pediatric cases of acute leukemia (five lymphoblastic, one monoblastic) were identified in relation to COVID-19 infection.
- Leukemia progression in these cases occurred without significant complications.
- Chromosomal analysis revealed high hyperdiploidy or increased polyploid cells in five patients.
Findings:
- Significant chromosomal aberrations, including pulverization and fragmentation, were noted in leukemia cells.
- These chromosomal abnormalities resemble those seen after radiation or viral exposure.
- Mitotic abnormalities, polyploidy, and chromosomal fragmentation were identified in COVID-19-associated childhood leukemia.
Implications:
- The observed mitotic disorders in COVID-19 patients may act as a 'second hit' in childhood acute leukemia development.
- COVID-19-induced chromosomal changes could accelerate the manifestation of pre-existing leukemia.
- Further research is warranted to understand the etiological role of SARS-CoV-2 in pediatric leukemia.
Abstract:
There are data about 6 cases of acute leukemia in children who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 infection 1-1,5 months before, or at the same time. In 5 patients lymphoblastic and in one monoblastic acute leukemia were diagnosed. The course of leukemia passed without any particular complications. Attention is drawn to the presence in 5 patients of either a clone with high hyperdiploidy, or the presence of an increased number of polyploid cells. At the same time, pulverization and fragmentation of chromosomes often observed during radiation, viral exposure, cancer and precancerous hyperplasia, were found. It is suggested that the mitosis disorder we identified in several cases of COVID-19, accompanied by polyploidy, pulverization and fragmentation of chromosomes, can be regarded as a "second hit " during development of childhood acute leukemia, or as an accelerator of the manifestation of an already existing process.
