The diagnosis of ALL is based upon the morphological, cytochemical, immunological and molecular analysis of lymphoblasts. We performed immunophenotyping in 29 out of 42 ALL patients aged 0 to 18 years during 2001-2007 and made some correlations with prognostic factors. Precursor-B ALL was found in 22, T-cell in 5 and mature B cell-ALL in 2 patients. Leucocytosis > 20.000/mm3 appeared in 54,5% of precursor-B and in 100% of T cell ALL. Early cortisone response was good in 81% of precursor-B and 20% of T cell ALL. Bone marrow at 33 day was of M1 in 23 and M2 type in 3 cases. 55% of precursor-B ALL and 100% of T-cell ALL were of high risc. Overall survival presented significant variations related to immunopohenotype. Immunophenotyping is essential in the establishment of a complete diagnosis and assessment of correct prognosis in childhood ALL.
Keywords: immunophenotype, survival, acute lymphoblastic leukemias