[Acute hyperleukocytic lymphoblastic leukemia (greater than or equal to 100,000 leukocytes/mm3). Metabolic changes...

Acute leukemias with high white blood count have a poor immediate prognosis and the treatment must be started within the first hours following diagnosis. It is necessary to prevent and to treat the severe metabolic disorders observed during induction treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia with WBC greater than or equal to 100,000/mm3. We analysed all the metabolic disorders in a retrospective study of 45 patients in order to determine their adequate prevention and treatment. Prevention of hyperuricemia and of secondary renal failure is now possible with urate oxidase, allowing an aggressive and rapid induction. Hyperkalemia can be prevented by urinary alkalinization and hyperphosphoremia with hypocalcemia by high dose intravenous calcium therapy. Renal failure is often transitory and functional. Disseminated intravascular coagulation is treated by heparin and platelets infusion and severe hyperglycemia requires insulin therapy.