Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: complications Flashcards
1
Q
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: complications
A
Complications: WHAT
warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia in 10-15% of patients
hypogammaglobulinaemia leading to recurrent infections
anaemia
transformation to high-grade lymphoma (Richter’s transformation)
Richter’s transformation
Ritcher’s transformation occurs when leukaemia cells enter the lymph node and change into a high-grade, fast-growing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Patients often become unwell very suddenly.
Ritcher’s transformation is indicated by one of the following symptoms:
lymph node swelling
fever without infection
weight loss
night sweats
nausea
abdominal pain
