1. Leukemia By: Gabie Gomez

2. What is Leukemia? Blood consists of plasma and three types of cells, each type has a special function. RBC, WBC and Platelets. Leukemia begins when one or more white blood cells experience DNA loss or damage. Those errors are copied and passed on to the rest of the of cells. The abnormal leukemic cells remain in an immature blast form that never matures properly. They don't die off like normal cells, but tend to multiply and accumulate within the body.

3. Types of Leukemia Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, or ALL) is the most common type of leukemia in young children. Acute Myeloid Leukemia, or AML) occurs more commonly in adults than in children. Chronic lyphocitic Leukemia(CLL) most often affects adults over the age of 55. Chronic myelegenous Leukemia(CML) occurs mainly in adults.

4. WBC NormalLeukemia

5. Causes No one knows what causes leukemia Possible causes: are radiation, chemicals, viruses, and genetic factors, age, cancer therapy, and cigarette smoking. Until the cause or causes of leukemia are found, there is no way to prevent the disease.

6. ALL Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common form of childhood cancer. 3,000 children each year are found to have ALL. Peak incidence occurs from 3 to 5 years of age. It affects lymphocytes, a type of white blood cells. Leukemia cells accumulate in the bone marrow, they replace normal blood cells and spread to other organs including liver, spleen, lymph nodes, central nervous system, kidneys and gonads.

7. Signs and symptoms They tire more easily and may feel short of breath when physically active. They may have a pale complexion Signs of bleeding because of a very low platelet count may be noticed. Discomfort in the bones and joints may occur. Fever Excessive bruising Weight loss Enlarged spleen, lymph nodes, and liver

8. ALL affects slightly more boys than girls. It occurs more frequently among whites than blacks.

9. Treatment The goal of treatment is to achieve remission and control symptoms Chemotherapy is used to kill leukemia cells. All chemotherapy is stopped after two to three years of treatment. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an option for very high-risk cases Blood transfusions may be given is anemia is severe. Medications used are Leukeran, and Cytoxan.

10. Survival Rates About 98 to 99 percent of children with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia attain initial complete remissions (absence of detectable leukemic cells by microscopic examination) in four to six weeks. About 80 percent of children can be cured. Patients who remain leukemia-free for 10 years or more can be considered cured.

11. Nursing Interventions Prevention of any type of infection, a cold can be deadly. Pain must be controlled with an analgesic for comfort measures. Maintain a positive nurse-patient-family relationship to help them through their disease. Nurse must be knowledgeable about the pt. drugs, side effects, complications and their diet.

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