Letter: Prognosis in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in Children Preceded by an Aplastic Phase

Transient pancytopenia preceding adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia with chromosomal abnormalities including the Philadelphia chromosome: A case report and review of the literature

“…Pre-ALL is characterized by fever with pancytopenia as the primary symptom, which is typically observed in children <10 years old, and has markedly higher incidence amongst girls. ALL with pre-ALL has a similar prognosis compared with that of ALL patients without preceding symptoms of pancytopenia (5).…”

“…The typical pancytopenic phase, which lasts from several weeks to several months, is transient, followed by spontaneous remission or remission induced by corticosteroids, and subsequent transformation into common ALL (5). The prognosis of patients with ALL with or without pre-ALL is similar following standard chemotherapy (5). The situation can not be determined in adult patients because such cases are exceedingly rare.…”

“…A number of studies have demonstrated that transient pancytopenia, another bone marrow disorder, may be associated with ALL in children and adolescents (3,4). The typical pancytopenic phase, which lasts from several weeks to several months, is transient, followed by spontaneous remission or remission induced by corticosteroids, and subsequent transformation into common ALL (5). The prognosis of patients with ALL with or without pre-ALL is similar following standard chemotherapy (5).…”

Massive Pneumonia and Pancytopenia Leading to the Diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Child – A Case Report and a Review of the Literature

“…This transient pancytopenic phase is rare and it can occur in approximately 2% of pediatric ALL cases, being considered a preleukemic condition (pre-ALL) (10). This phase can last from a few weeks to several months and its remission can be spontaneous or induced by corticosteroids, followed by subsequent transformation into common ALL (11). A proper chemotherapy protocol and adequate monitoring can lead to remission in approximately 95% of the children diagnosed with ALL, and 80% of those who attaint remission, are expected to be long-term survivors (12).…”

“…A proper chemotherapy protocol and adequate monitoring can lead to remission in approximately 95% of the children diagnosed with ALL, and 80% of those who attaint remission, are expected to be long-term survivors (12). The prognosis of patients diagnosed with ALL is similar after standard chemotherapy independently by the presence or absence of pre-ALL (11).…”