Larraín C

Chronic myeloid leukemia in hemophilia B

A known hemophiliac B male (blood coagulation factor IX level of 15%), HIV negative, in whom a Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia developed at the age of 29 years, is presented. The leukemia was diagnosed after an upper digestive tract bleeding, due to a duodenal ulcer. Two years elapsed between the diagnosis of leukemia and the start of busulfan therapy. During that period and after the start of treatment, the hemorrhagic tendency did not increase. The follow up of the patient was almost 8 years, with favorable clinical response to busulfan therapy. The patient survived more than twice the average survival of chronic myeloid leukemia patients treated with busulfan. A reciprocal influence between chronic myeloid leukemia and hemophilia appears illustrated by this case report (Rev Med Chile 2002; 130: 897-900)