Hepatic dysfunction as the presenting feature of acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Hepatic dysfunction is a rare presentation of leukemia in children. Because most chemotherapy agents are metabolized by the liver, this complication may have major adverse consequences and effective treatment could be compromised. The MEDLINE database and current management guidelines from the United States Pediatric Cooperative Cancer Groups were reviewed and analyzed. Data from two institutional cases are described. Although previous literature is not informative, our experience suggests that children with leukemia and moderate hepatic dysfunction may tolerate aggressive chemotherapy. Current protocol guidelines for dose modification for liver disease may be overly stringent and modification may be beneficial.