Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia in Pregnancy
1Delta State University
2Asaba Specialist Hospital
Abstract
Introduction: Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is a haematological malignancy characterized by the accumulation of monoclonal myeloid cells in the peripheral blood and bone marrow, often with splenic infiltration. CML in pregnancy presents an intriguing challenge because first-line therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is contraindicated due to potential fetal complications.
Case Report: A 37-year-old unbooked woman presented with features of hypermetabolism, postpartum haemorrhage, and elevated white blood cell count. Following hysterectomy and haematologic investigations, a diagnosis of CML (chronic phase) was made. She was managed with hydration, allopurinol, haematinics, and hydroxyurea, which resulted in significant improvement and normalization of clinical symptoms.
Conclusion: CML in pregnancy is rare and presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Hydroxyurea and interferon-alpha may be considered safe alternatives to TKIs during pregnancy, while timely diagnosis and multidisciplinary management are crucial to optimizing maternal and fetal outcomes.
Data Availability
All data supporting this study are contained within the article.
Author Biographies
Ishau Muhammad Dirisu
Delta State University, Delta State University
Haematology and Blood Transfusion.
Lecturer 1
Ezekiel Iphierooghene Ohwotake
Asaba Specialist Hospital
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion
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Published in Vol. 8 No. 1 (2025): African Journal of Tropical Medicine and Biomedical Research, June 2025.
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