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Muramidase in myeloproliferative disorders terminating in acute leukemia
Author(s) -
Skarin Arthur T.,
Matsuo Yoshiro,
Moloney William C.
Publication year - 1972
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0142(197205)29:5<1336::aid-cncr2820290531>3.0.co;2-t
Subject(s) - medicine , polycythemia vera , leukemia , gastroenterology , acute myeloblastic leukemia , myeloid leukemia , acute leukemia , chronic myelogenous leukemia , myeloid , pathology
During serial studies of serum muramidase activity (SMA) over a 4‐year period on 168 patients with leukemia and myeloproliferative disorders (MPD) eight patients—one with polycythemia vera (PCV), one with agnogenic myeloid metaplasia, three with atypical myeloid metaplasia, and three with chronic myelogenous leukemia—developed acute myeloblastic or acute myelomonocytic leukemia (AMML). Onset of leukemia occurred early during the course of the disease and was associated with striking elevation of SMA in all six patients with AMML. Three patients studied in detail had significant hypokalemia possibly related to toxic effects of an excess of muramidase on renal tubules. Seven of the eight patients received therapy, consisting of splenic irradiation, alkylating agents, or both. Rapid rise of SMA in patients with MPD may herald the onset of acute leukemic metamorphosis.