A 13-year-old boy presents to the emergency department with complaints of headache and visual changes. History reveals progressive dyspnea on exertion, generalized fatigue, and increased bruising. His labs are significant for a WBC of 350,000/mcL, of which 80% are reported to be blasts and appear to be myeloblasts without the presence of Auer rods. His hemoglobin is 7.2 g/dL, and his platelets are 18,000/mcL. A CT scan of the head shows a small intracerebral hemorrhage. His coags are normal. Which of the following is the most appropriate therapy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate therapy in this scenario is emergent leukapheresis plus hydroxyurea (Choice C). Leukapheresis is needed to rapidly reduce the high white blood cell count, preventing further complications such as leukostasis and hyperviscosity syndrome. Hydroxyurea can help further control the rapid proliferation of blasts. Induction chemotherapy (Choice A) may lead to tumor lysis syndrome due to the high tumor burden. Performing leukapheresis alone without a subsequent therapy (Choice B) may not adequately address the underlying disease. Providing cranial radiation (Choice D) is not the initial management for acute myeloid leukemia.
Nokea