Severe systemic infection masking underlying childhood leukemia

Indian J Hematol Blood Transfus. 2013 Sep;29(3):167-70. doi: 10.1007/s12288-012-0166-7. Epub 2012 Jul 25.

Abstract

Severe childhood infections can occasionally be accompanied by bone marrow suppression. It is unusual for infection induced marrow aplasia to evolve into acute leukemia. We share our experience in managing four children with severe sepsis and pancytopenia which in due course evolved into acute leukemia. This report emphasizes that sepsis related pancytopenia can be a harbinger of evolving hematopoietic disorders.

Keywords: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia; Children; Infection associated pancytopenia; Spontaneous remission.

Publication types

  • Case Reports