CHILDHOOD ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA

TYPES

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia affects both B and T cells. These cells are responsible for producing antibodies that are toxic to the offending organism, especially bacteria and viruses.

SYMPTOMS

The child commonly presents with either of the following:

• Low-grade fever
• A frail-looking child with little to no interest in physical activity
• Formation of a hematoma or collection of blood in the superficial area of the skin
• Frequent abdominal pain is due to the deposition of abnormal blood cells in the spleen, kidneys and other organs
• Feeling cold usually noted in the afternoon or nighttime
• Recurrent infection
• Lymph node swelling and pain on palpation
• Persistent loss of appetite despite giving of vitamins

DIAGNOSIS

• History and Physical examination provide clues as to the possible disease condition of the patient. Note of multiple blood collection on the skin (petechiae) coupled with the other symptoms, can lead to the diagnosis of CLL.
• Blood tests, which include peripheral blood smears and complete blood counts- on examination, reveal the presence of immature cells on top of the increased white blood cell count.
• Aspiration of the bone marrow to extract some cells and sample them for the presence of atypical cells. This generally helps the clinician confirm the diagnosis made on physical examination.
• Genetic studies- This test checks for aberrant mutations on the specific chromosomes, though this is not routinely used as part of the diagnostic parameters.
• Spinal tap- insertion of a large-bore spinal needle on the lumbar vertebrae to obtain some samples that can be analyzed for disseminated disease (bone involvement)

TREATMENT

Options for treatment of CLL depend upon the age at the time of diagnosis, the actual white blood cell count upon initial blood test and the presence or absence of infection.

Chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment. In this type of therapy, a large-bore needle is inserted in the vein, which will serve as the drug administration route.

Rapidly gaining popularity in the management of CLL is stem cell transplantation. Hence, the trending practice of cord blood storage. This treatment works miracles as the new stem cells can produce fresh, mature cells that can prevent the disease’s sequelae.