Coagulopathy and differentiation syndrome: the main complications of the initial treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia

Abstract

Two main causes of early mortality of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) are reviewed, unique type of coagulopathy typical for APL and differentiation syndrome sometimes complicating treatment of APL with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) or arsenic trioxide (ATO). The information covers analysis of the pathophysiologies of both conditions and also recommendations considering treatments and preventive measures.

Keywords

• acute promyelocytic leukemia
• differentiation syndrome
• RAS
• ATRA syndrome
• ATO syndrome
• coagulopathy
• annexin II
• hyperfibrinolysis