From the Journals

Orthopedic problems in children can be the first indication of acute lymphoblastic leukemia


 

FROM THE JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDICS

The diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) can be delayed because of vague presentation and normal hematological results. Orthopedic manifestations may be the primary presentation of ALL to physicians, and such symptoms in children should be cause for suspicion, even in the absence of hematological abnormalities, according to a report published in the Journal of Orthopaedics.

The study retrospectively assessed 250 consecutive ALL patients at a single institution to identify the frequency of ALL cases presented to the orthopedic department and to determine the number of these patients presenting with normal hematological results, according to Amrath Raj BK, MD, and colleagues at the Manipal (India) Academy of Higher Education.

Suspicion warranted

Twenty-two of the 250 patients (8.8%) presented primarily to the orthopedic department (4 with vertebral compression fractures, 12 with joint pain, and 6 with bone pain), but were subsequently diagnosed with ALL. These results were comparable to previous studies. The mean patient age at the first visit was 5.6 years; 13 patients were boys, and 9 were girls. Six of these 22 patients (27.3%) had a normal peripheral blood smear, according to the researchers.

“Acute leukemia should be considered strongly as a differential diagnosis in children with severe osteoporosis and vertebral fractures. Initial orthopedic manifestations are not uncommon, and the primary physician should maintain a high index of suspicion as a peripheral smear is not diagnostic in all patients,” the researchers concluded.

The authors reported that there was no outside funding source and that they had no conflicts.

SOURCE: Raj BK A et al. Journal of Orthopaedics. 2020;22:326-330.

Recommended Reading

FDA approves first gene therapy – tisagenlecleucel for ALL
MDedge Family Medicine
In children with ALL, physical and emotional effects persist
MDedge Family Medicine
Flu vaccine did not protect children with acute leukemia
MDedge Family Medicine
Relapse rate drives stem cell transplant failure in pediatric ALL patients
MDedge Family Medicine
Pediatric cancers are on the rise
MDedge Family Medicine
Groups release guidelines for CAR T treatment in children
MDedge Family Medicine
Hormonal contraceptive use linked to leukemia risk in offspring
MDedge Family Medicine
Immunotherapy’s cardiac effects require early monitoring, management
MDedge Family Medicine
COVID-19: Adjusting practice in acute leukemia care
MDedge Family Medicine
Risk index stratifies pediatric leukemia patients undergoing HSCT
MDedge Family Medicine