Early symptoms of childhood acute leukemia include fever, fatigue, pale skin, and easy bleeding. Prompt medical attention is necessary for blood tests, bone marrow aspiration, and other examinations to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and bone marrow transplantation; the specific treatment plan will be tailored to the child's condition.
1. Fever is a common early symptom of acute leukemia in children. Due to the massive proliferation of leukemia cells, normal immune function is suppressed, leading to an increased risk of infection. Parents should closely monitor changes in body temperature. If fever persists and there is no clear source of infection, medical attention should be sought promptly. The doctor may recommend a complete blood count to observe whether the white blood cell count and morphology are abnormal.
2. Fatigue and pale skin are often caused by anemia, as leukemia cells occupy bone marrow space, inhibiting the production of normal red blood cells. Affected children may experience decreased activity tolerance and loss of appetite. Parents are advised to observe their child's daily behavior; if any abnormalities are found, a complete blood count and bone marrow aspiration should be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
3. Frequent bleeding manifests as skin bruising, bleeding gums, or nosebleeds. This is because leukemia cells affect platelet production, leading to abnormal blood clotting. Parents should pay attention to whether their child has unexplained bruising or bleeding spots on their skin. If these occur frequently, they should seek medical attention promptly. The doctor may recommend coagulation function tests and a bone marrow aspiration.
4. Chemotherapy is the main treatment for acute leukemia in children. It kills leukemia cells with drugs, commonly used drugs include cytarabine and daunorubicin. Chemotherapy regimens need to be formulated according to the child's age, disease stage, and molecular biological characteristics, and are usually divided into three phases: induction remission, consolidation therapy, and maintenance therapy.
5. Targeted therapy targets leukemia cells with specific gene mutations, such as using imatinib to treat children with BCR-ABL fusion gene positivity. Targeted drugs have high specificity and can reduce damage to normal cells, but they must be used under the guidance of a doctor and the side effects must be monitored regularly.
6. Bone marrow transplantation is suitable for high-risk or relapsed children, restoring normal hematopoietic function by transplanting hematopoietic stem cells from a healthy donor. Matching is required before transplantation, and close monitoring for rejection and infection risks is necessary afterward. Parents should communicate fully with their doctors to understand the advantages and disadvantages of transplantation and key nursing care points.
Parents should pay close attention to the early symptoms of childhood acute leukemia. Timely medical attention and comprehensive examination are crucial for diagnosis and treatment. Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and bone marrow transplantation are the main treatment methods, and the specific treatment plan needs to be tailored to the child's condition. Parents should actively cooperate with doctors in treatment, while also paying attention to the child's mental state, providing necessary support and encouragement to help the child get through the treatment period and improve their quality of life.