Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

Question 1

AML is the second most common type of leukemia in children with a peak in the adolescent years?

Answer 1

TRUE

Question 2

Pathophysiology of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

Answer 2

1. Affect the myeloid cell progenitors or precursors in the bone marrow, resulting in malignant (invasive and fast-growing) cells

Question 3

Complications of AML

Answer 3

1. Treatment Resistance
2. Infection
3. Hemorrhage
4. Metastasis

Question 4

AML is less responsive to treatment?

Answer 4

TRUE

Question 5

Toxicity from treatment is more common in AML and is likely to be more serious than with ALL?

Answer 5

TRUE

Question 6

Treatment of AML

Answer 6

1. Broad-spectrum antibiotics and prophylactic platelet transfusion may be prescribed
2. After remission is achieved, children require intensive chemotherapy to prolong the duration of remission
3. HSCT is often required in children with AML, depending on the subtype

Question 7

Signs and Symptoms

Answer 7

1. Recurrent infections
2. Fever
3. Fatigue

Question 8

Risk Factors

Answer 8

1. Hispanic Race
2. Previous Chemotherapy
3. Down Syndrome

Question 9

Physical Examination

Answer 9

1. Note skin pallor and salmon-colored or blue-grey papular lesions
2. Palpate the skin for subcutaneous rubbery nodules
3. Palpate for lymphadenopathy
4. Note headache, visual disturbance or signs of increased intracranial pressure (vomiting, which may indicated CNS involvement)
5. Upon diagnosis, WBC count is extremely elevated