Transient leukemia in a newborn without Down syndrome: case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Transient neonatal leukemia occurs almost exclusively in Down syndrome babies. We report here the unusual case of a newborn without Down syndrome who presented neonatal transient leukemia and who achieved spontaneously complete remission. Trisomy 21 and GATA1 mutation were both present in leukemic cells. While close follow-up is advised since true leukemia may develop later, the patient is still in remission for 2.5 years. We performed a literature review of 15 other similar cases.

Conclusion: Our case of transient leukemia without Down syndrome and the literature review highlight the important role of trisomy 21 and GATA1 mutation in the development of transient neonatal leukemia.