Neonatal acute myeloid leukemia in a DES grandchild infant

Neonatal acute myeloid leukemia in an infant whose mother was exposed to diethylstilboestrol in utero

2009 Study Abstract

We report on an acute myeloid leukemia in a neonate whose mother was exposed to diethylstilboestrol in utero.

The newborn presented with leukemia cutis, hemorrhagic skin lesions, hyperleucocytosis and disseminated intravascular coagulation. A bone marrow examination confirmed the diagnosis of acute monocytic leukemia with a t(11;19) MLL-ELL fusion transcript. Chemotherapy was initiated but the child developed a bilateral pulmonary infection that led to fatal respiratory distress.

This case shows acute myeloid leukemia and the third pediatric leukemia reported after maternal diethylstilboestrol exposure.

Sources and more information
  • Neonatal acute myeloid leukemia in an infant whose mother was exposed to diethylstilboestrol in utero, Pediatric blood & cancer, NCBI PubMed PMID: 19405140, 2009 Aug.
  • Acute myeloid leukemia featured image credit omicsonline.
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