Abstract
The co-existence of pregnancy in 4 patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia has been reported. One patient was known to have had chronic myelogenous leukemia 3 years prior to her pregnancy. The diagnosis of leukemia was made during the course of pregnancy in the remaining 3 patients; 1 in the first trimester, the other 2 in the third trimester. No specific therapy was required in any of the patients during pregnancy. Their children at birth showed no stigmata of leukemia.
Current literature on the subject has been reviewed. The consensus is that pregnancy does not influence the prognosis of chronic myelogenous leukemia. During the period of gestation, the symptoms can be controlled by administration of a solution of potassium arsenite (Fowler’s solution) and irradiation therapy over long bones, spleen and mediastinum without exposing the fetus.
