John is a 4 year-old boy who was admitted for chemotherapy following diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). He had a white blood cell count of 250,000. Clinical presentation included loss of appetite, easily bruised, gum bleeding, and fatigue. Physical examination revealed marked splenomegaly, pale skin color, temperature of 102°F, and upper abdomen tenderness along with nonspecific arthralgia.

In your review of this case, please address the following questions and please include at least 5 research articles and /or web citations as references.

Questions

What is the pathophysiological basis for the signs/symptoms and lab results that are seen in this case?

Describe the pathophysiology of ALL. Compare it with the other form of leukemia in children.

What is the purpose of chemotherapy in ALL? What is a common side effect of this therapy?

What are the potential complications of this disorder and why might they occur?

Project description
John is a 4 year-old boy who was admitted for chemotherapy following diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). He had a white blood cell count of 250,000. Clinical presentation included loss of appetite, easily bruised, gum bleeding, and fatigue. Physical examination revealed marked splenomegaly, pale skin color, temperature of 102°F, and upper abdomen tenderness along with nonspecific arthralgia.

In your review of this case, please address the following questions and please include at least 5 research articles and /or web citations as references.

Questions

What is the pathophysiological basis for the signs/symptoms and lab results that are seen in this case?

Describe the pathophysiology of ALL. Compare it with the other form of leukemia in children.

What is the purpose of chemotherapy in ALL? What is a common side effect of this therapy?

What are the potential complications of this disorder and why might they occur?