Juvenile myeloid leukemia with fetal erythropoiesis

Abstract

A case of juvenile myeloid leukemia in a 21/2-year-old girl is described. Apart from the typical clinical features encountered, this case was characterized by a fetal pattern of erythropoiesis, with exceptionally high levels of fetal hemoglobin, up to 85%, associated with decreased levels of hemoglobin A2 and carbonic anhydrase. There was also a slight elevation of the sodium content and sodium outflux in the patient's red blood cells similar to that recorded in six newborn babies. Significance of these findings is discussed in relation to current concepts of type of erythropoiesis found in this form of leukemia.