Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, monoclonal B-lymphocytosis and pregnancy: Five cases, a literature review and discussion of management

Nada Hamad, David Kliman, O. Giles Best, Melody Caramins, Mark Hertzberg, Robert Lindeman, Ric Porter, Stephen P. Mulligan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) occurs rarely with pregnancy and monoclonal B-Lymphocytosis (MBL) has not previously been described in this setting. CLL is predominantly a disease of the elderly and affects men twice as often as women and hence only an estimated 2% of patients are females of childbearing age. We identified only five reported cases of CLL in pregnancy in the literature. We describe two additional cases, plus three other women with CLL dealing with pregnancy-related decisions. We review the literature and discuss proposals for management and issues that arise in this relatively uncommon occurrence. In contrast to many other haematological malignancies where longer remissions are typically associated with a lower risk of relapse, most patients with CLL who require treatment will ultimately relapse with current therapy. This complex setting requires careful consideration and well informed patients to assist with decisions related to pregnancy.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)350-360
Number of pages11
JournalBritish Journal of Haematology
Volume168
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Adult B-Lymphocytes/*pathology Decision Making Female Humans Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/diagnosis/*therapy Lymphocytosis/diagnosis/*therapy Preconception Care/methods Pregnancy Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic/diagnosis/*therapy Young Adult chemotherapy chronic lymphocytic leukaemia monoclonal B-lymphocytosis teratogenic
  • Monoclonal B-lymphocytosis
  • Pregnancy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
  • Teratogenic

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