Leukaemia in neonates (infants <1 month) is rare, whereby neonatal acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is more frequent than neonatal acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). High mortality rates are observed, though AML has a better prognosis than ALL. Neonatal leukaemia is typically presented with hepatosplenomegaly, leukaemia cutis and/or hyperleucocytosis. Congenital infections should be ruled out before diagnosis. Rearrangement of the . MLL gene is the most frequently occurring genetic aberration. Treatment includes intensive multi-agent chemotherapy, usually with age-related dose adjustments next to supportive care. Treatment intensification for ALL could be indicated in the future as the dismal prognosis is subject to high relapse rates in ALL.

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doi.org/10.1016/j.siny.2012.03.003, hdl.handle.net/1765/62741
Seminars in Fetal & Neonatal Medicine
Erasmus MC: University Medical Center Rotterdam

van der Linden, M., Creemers, S., & Pieters, R. (2012). Diagnosis and management of neonatal leukaemia. Seminars in Fetal & Neonatal Medicine (Vol. 17, pp. 192–195). doi:10.1016/j.siny.2012.03.003