Research progress of hyperleukocytic acute leukemia

Acute hyperleukocytic leukemia (AHL) refers to acute leukemia patients whose peripheral white blood cell count(WBC) is more than 100×109/L. It is called hyperleukocytosis (HL), when peripheral WBC is more than 100×109/L. It is common in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). AHL has a rapid onset, rapid progress, high early mortality and poor prognosis, which is a critical disease in hematology department. Because of its complications such as leukostasis, tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), patients′ lives are threatened and need urgent intervention. Therefore, how to reduce the early mortality of patients with AHL is an important research topic. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of AHL, especially the current treatment options. Key words: Leukocytosis; Leukemia; Tumor lysis syndrome; Acute hyperleukocytic leukemia; Lyperleukocytosis; Early mortality; Epidemiologic studies; Leukostasis