Retinoic acid syndrome

(Redirected from Differentiation syndrome)

Background

  • Differentiation syndrome (DS) is most current term
  • Occurs in Acute promyelocytic leukemia patients undergoing ATRA treatment (Tretinoin, Vesanoid)
    • And/or with arsenic trioxide therapy (Trisenox, ATO)
    • Chemo treatment differentiates APML blasts into mature granulocytes
    • Differentiation of blasts may cause sepsis-like "cytokine storm" leading to tissue damage
  • Incidence of DS[1]
    • Up to 25% of patients undergoing ATRA
    • Up to 31% of patients undergoing ATO
  • Up to 40% mortality in patients requiring mechanical ventilation
  • Diagnosis made clinically with symptomology
    • Requires immediate treatment with steroids
    • Steroids highly recommended even if other diagnoses possible

Clinical Features

Differential Diagnosis

Oncologic Emergencies

Related to Local Tumor Effects

Related to Biochemical Derangement

Related to Hematologic Derangement

Related to Therapy

Evaluation

  • Ultimately, a clinical diagnosis
  • Troponins for pericarditis
  • Severe leukocytosis on CBC
  • Sepsis workup
  • CHF workup, echo
  • Pulmonary embolism workup
  • DIC workup
  • Coagulation factor levels
  • Diagnostic bronchoscopy, BAL, biopsy usually not required
  • Imaging
    • CXR - pleural effusions, ground-glass opacities, increased cardiac silhouette
    • CT chest - pleural effusions, peripheral nodules

Management[2]

  • Dexamethasone 10mg IV q12hrs
    • Most important therapy, with possible dramatic and rapid resolution of symptoms
    • Continue treatment until complete disappearance of signs and symptoms
  • Temporary discharge ATRA or ATO only in severe cases of DS (renal failure or ICU admit)
  • Supportive

Disposition

  • Admit

See Also

External Links

References

  1. Montesinos P and Sanz MA. The Differentiation Syndrome in Patients with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia: Experience of the Pethema Group and Review of the Literature. Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis. 2011; 3(1): e2011059.
  2. Sanz MA and Montesinos P. How we prevent and treat differentiation syndrome in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia. May 1, 2014; Blood: 123 (18).