Classification of chronic myelocytic leukemia in children

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to define criteria for classification of chronic myelocytic leukemia in children and adolescents. From April, 1963 through July, 1971, 18 patients were available for study. Evaluation of the clinical, laboratory, and histopathologic features demonstrates three distinct subgroups: adult, juvenile, and familial chronic myelocytic leukemia. Parameters of most value in this distinction are the level of the white blood cell count, presence of thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis, the bone marrow myeloid to erythroid ratio, and the presence or absence of well-defined malpighian corpuscles in the spleen. One patient with acute lymphocytic leukemia in remission manifested some unique features and may represent a fourth form of chronic myelocytic leukemia, resulting from previous chemotherapy or irradiation. The use of chemotherapy has not significantly prolonged survival in our patients. Two patients with familial chronic myelocytic leukemia are surviving in remission 9 years following splenectomy.