Peptic ulceration in leukaemia

Australian Paediatric Journal
|April 1, 1987
PubMed

Insights

Two children with leukaemia experienced perforated duodenal ulcers, successfully treated with surgery. This rare complication highlights the need for ulcer prophylaxis in immunosuppressed children, especially during bone marrow transplantation.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Management

Background:

  • Leukemia in children can lead to rare gastrointestinal complications.
  • Immunosuppression and steroid therapy are known risk factors for stress ulceration.

Observation:

  • Two pediatric leukemia patients presented with perforated duodenal ulcers.
  • These ulcers were likely secondary to immunosuppressive and steroid treatments.

Findings:

  • Successful surgical oversewing of perforated duodenal ulcers was achieved in both children.
  • This case represents the second report of ulceration in childhood leukemia, suggesting a link to the disease and its treatment.

Implications:

  • Conservative surgical intervention and removal of the causative insult are effective for stress ulceration in children.
  • Prophylactic measures, including antacids or Cimetidine, are recommended for pediatric patients receiving combined immunosuppression and high-dose steroids, particularly those undergoing bone marrow transplantation.

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