Leukapheresis reduced white blood cell count, but it did not improve the respiratory status of patients with hyperleukocytic acute myeloid leukemia, according to a retrospective chart review of 89 individuals with the disorder.

Noting that respiratory status is a strong predictor of survival in those requiring leukapheresis, researchers found that:

• White blood cell count decreased from 153 to 60 after initial leukapheresis.

• Initial respiratory status was room air (n=40), low (n=31), or high flow oxygen therapy (n=8). The remainder (n=10) were on mechanical ventilation.

• Respiratory status deteriorated substantially after both first and second leukapheresis; moreover, it was not different at day 5 in those who survived to that point.

• Day 28 mortality and overall survival were significantly impacted by initial respiratory status.

Citation: Van de Louw A, Schneider C, Desai R, Claxton D. Initial respiratory status in hyperleukocytic acute myeloid leukemia: Prognostic significance and effect of leukapheresis. Leuk Lymphoma. 2016;57(6):1319-1326. doi:10.3109/10428194.2015.1094695.