The value of cytochemical studies and Loeffler's classification in prognosis and differential diagnosis of acute leukemias in children
Litwin, J.; Rokicka-Milewska, R.
Materia Medica Polona. Polish Journal of Medicine and Pharmacy 10(3): 231-235
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-5246 PMID: 723299 Document Number: 128596
Acute leukemia in 113 children was classified by cytochemical types according to Loeffler. Of the leukemias 80% were of the PAS type (lymphoblastic) or undifferentiated cell type. Remissions were achieved in 95% of cases of PAS leukemia and 88% of cases of undifferentiated cell type. The mean survival time of patients with these 2 types was 19.95 .+-. 14.67 mo., respectively, 13.58 .+-. 17.09 mo. CNS involvement was observed in 49% of cases of lymphoblastic leukemia and 46% of undifferentiated cell type of leukemia. The peroxidase type of leukemia was encountered in 19% of cases, with remission in 47% and a mean survival time of 7.03 .+-. 10.19 mo. Severe viral and bacterial infections were frequent in the group of peroxidase leukemias. The esterase-peroxidase type was observed in 2 children. In 4 cases of peroxidase or peroxidase-esterase leukemia, onset of illness was preceded by a preleukemic phase lasting from 4-18 mo.