Acute lymphoblastic leukemia presented as severe jaundice and hyperferritinemia: a case report

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2011 Apr;33(3):e117-9. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0b013e3181f46a7b.

Abstract

Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) frequently present with hepatomegaly and mild liver functional impairment. Severe jaundice is rarely seen as a presenting feature. Such patients often present diagnostic dilemmas and therapeutic difficulties. Here we report a 15-year-old boy presenting with severe jaundice and hyperferritinemia, whose bone marrow smear showed B-lineage precursor ALL. We treated him with intravenous immunoglobulin, steroid, and etoposide; then his condition improved. ALL should be considered as a possible diagnosis in severely jaundiced children. Steroid and etoposide can be used as first aid when many chemotherapeutic drugs are contraindicated.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Ferritins / blood*
  • Humans
  • Jaundice / etiology*
  • Male
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / blood
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / complications*
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / drug therapy

Substances

  • Ferritins