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White cell fragmentation after therapeutic leukapheresis for acute leukemia
Author(s) -
Rybroek J.J.,
Olson J.D.,
Burns C.P.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
transfusion
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.045
H-Index - 132
eISSN - 1537-2995
pISSN - 0041-1132
DOI - 10.1046/j.1537-2995.1987.27487264747.x
Subject(s) - leukapheresis , leukostasis , medicine , disseminated intravascular coagulation , white blood cell , leukemia , acute leukemia , respiratory failure , immunology , surgery , stem cell , genetics , cd34 , biology
A 70‐year‐old woman with newly diagnosed acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (FAB M5) underwent therapeutic leukapheresis because of a white cell count (WBC) of 144 × 10(9) per I and clinical evidence of leukostasis. A peripheral blood film taken immediately after leukapheresis showed numerous cytoplasmic and nuclear fragments. The patient's clinical course thereafter was significantly compromised by disseminated intravascular coagulation with a severe bleeding diathesis, renal failure, and respiratory failure that led to her death. This case illustrates that therapeutic leukapheresis for elevated WBC in patients with acute leukemia may result in leukocyte fragmentation and possible intravascular coagulation.