[Treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemias in children]

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), besides distinctive cytological characteristics has a high incidence of haemorrhagic complications due to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Nine patients with APL, between a day and 12 years old, were studied. Diagnosis was based on cytomorphological classification FAB. Eight presented with haemorrhages and DIC were found. Five received Daunorubicin and 4 DATOP. Patients with DIC also were given substitution therapy with platelets and heparin.

two died during the first two weeks, of intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) and sepsis respectively. Three in initial remission relapsed after 3 to 21 months and two died of ICH; the third one attained a new remission but presented a new relapse and finally died 61 months after onset. The other 4 patients are at present in their first remission of 1 to 12 months.

APL must receive, besides specific chemotherapy, early DIC therapy; with present polychemotherapy a high remission rate and prolonged disease-free survivals can be obtained.