ALL-TRANS-RETINOIC ACID FOR THE TREATMENT OF ACUTE PROMYELOCYTIC LEUKEMIA IN PREGNANCY

Background: Acute promyelocytic leukemia, a subset of acute myelogenou s leukemia, is commonly associated with disseminated intravascular coa gulation (DIC). All-trans retinoic acid is effective in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia and may prevent an exacerbation of DIC . There is limited information, however, regarding the use of this age nt in pregnancy. Case: A 29-year-old woman with acute promyelocytic le ukemia and DIC at 24 weeks' gestation was treated successfully with al l-trans retinoic acid during the pregnancy, delivering a viable, norma l infant at 33 weeks. Conclusion: This case illustrates the successful use of all-trans retinoic acid in pregnancy for the treatment of acut e promyelocytic leukemia. With the combined, intensive efforts of the perinatal, neonatal, and hematology-oncology services, a favorable out come was achieved. (C) 1997 by The American College of Obstetricians a nd Gynecologists.