Last update:
21-Jul-2006

Leukemia is the second most common malignancy affecting women of reproductive age. Recent studies confirm that pregnancy does not have an adverse impact on the prognosis of acute leukemia, provided there is no delay in diagnosis and treatment. Purine and pyrimidine analogs and folic acid antagonists are associated with a high risk of development of congenital malformations, especially when administered before the 12th gestational week. Termination of pregnancy is advised when diagnosis is made during the first trimester of pregnancy in order to allow prompt intensive antileukemic therapy. During the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, fetal exposure to antineoplastic treatment does not carry a risk of congenital anomalies higher than that seen in the general population, although it is associated with preterm delivery, low birth weight and increased perinatal mortality. Long-term somatic and neurocognitive development of the babies appears to be normal.

Key words: Leukemia, Pregnancy.