Premium
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, monoclonal B ‐lymphocytosis and pregnancy: five cases, a literature review and discussion of management
Author(s) -
Hamad Nada,
Kliman David,
Best O. Giles,
Caramins Melody,
Hertzberg Mark,
Lindeman Robert,
Porter Ric,
Mulligan Stephen P.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
british journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.907
H-Index - 186
eISSN - 1365-2141
pISSN - 0007-1048
DOI - 10.1111/bjh.13134
Subject(s) - lymphocytosis , pregnancy , medicine , chronic lymphocytic leukemia , monoclonal , disease , pediatrics , immunology , leukemia , monoclonal antibody , antibody , genetics , biology
Summary Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia ( CLL ) occurs rarely with pregnancy and monoclonal B‐Lymphocytosis ( MBL ) has not previously been described in this setting. CLL is predominantly a disease of the elderly and affects men twice as often as women and hence only an estimated 2% of patients are females of childbearing age. We identified only five reported cases of CLL in pregnancy in the literature. We describe two additional cases, plus three other women with CLL dealing with pregnancy‐related decisions. We review the literature and discuss proposals for management and issues that arise in this relatively uncommon occurrence. In contrast to many other haematological malignancies where longer remissions are typically associated with a lower risk of relapse, most patients with CLL who require treatment will ultimately relapse with current therapy. This complex setting requires careful consideration and well informed patients to assist with decisions related to pregnancy.