When Blood Goes Wrong Acute Myelocytic Leukemia

The most common type of leukemia among adults is acute myelocytic leukemia (AML). This disease occurs when immature leukemia cells begin to rapidly accumulate in the bone marrow, which then destroys...

The most common type of leukemia among adults is acute myelocytic leukemia (AML). This disease occurs when immature leukemia cells begin to rapidly accumulate in the bone marrow, which then destroys and also replaces healthy cells that are normally produced in the bone marrow. The leukemia cells are then transported by the bloodstream to other organs in the body where they continue to grow and divide causing havoc.

AML affects all races nearly equally, however AML does occur in parts of Japan, New Zealand, and Shanghai more often than other parts of the world. Males and females tend to get AML equally and it can be seen in individuals of all ages starting with newborns and up to those who are elderly. As far as leukemia’s go, AML accounts for approximately 1/3 of all new cases of leukemia. The occurrence of AML tends to increase as the population ages.

Symptoms of AML are similar to other leukemias such as acute lymphocytic leukemia including inflammation of the layers of tissue covering both the brain and the spinal meninges. The symptoms center on cytopenia, anemia, hemorrhage, and fever and are due to abnormal leukemic cell mass and the spread of the leukemic cells.

Blood labs are done to diagnose and monitor AML. Leukemia has an overwhelming characteristic of the absence of normal blood cells, especially a low platelet count. White blood cells can be either decreased or elevated with serum uric acid and lactic dehydrogenase levels being elevated.

The cause is usually unknown in most cases of AML but there are some factors that are connected to the development of AML including radiation exposure, exposure to toxic chemicals and certain drugs, and genetic factors.

If a person with AML is not treated they will die within a few weeks or months of the diagnosis. Approximately 20 to 40% of those being treated survive at for at least five years without going back into a relapse of leukemia. If a person remains leukemia free after five years they are considered to be cured of the disease.

The treatment for AML typically will result in fewer white blood cells, in particular the neutrophils. This will lead to the possibility of more infections. With the depletion of red blood cells and platelets, transfusions are often required as a result of the leukemia treatment.

Drugs are a main part of the treatment plan for AML. Common drugs used to treat AML include cytarabine in a continuous infusion for seven days and then daunorubicin, idarubicin or mitoxantrone for an additional three days.

To be sure that the leukemia cells are really destroyed individuals with AML are usually treated with chemotherapy a few types even after reaching remission.

Stem cell transplantation may also be a part of the treatment plan especially for those who are at high risk for going into relapse.

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