Comparative Analysis between Absolute Neutrophil Count and Absolute Monocyte Count as a Predictor of Haematopoietic Recovery in Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia

Objectives: This study was aimed to find out the comparison between absolute neutrophil count and absolute monocyte count for haematopoietic recovery in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) patients. Methods: In this study, a total of 50 patients of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, aged between 8 months to 15 years were studied prospectively. Results: In the initial treatment phase (induction of remission phase), regularly increasing trends were seen in absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) prior to recovery of absolute monocyte counts (AMC). Of all the parameters, ANC recovered 1 day (≥0.5 x 109 /l) prior to recovery of AMC above (≥0.1 x 109 /l). Conclusion: ANC can be considered as an early predictor of haematopoietic recovery over AMC. These parameters can be used in conjunction with clinical conditions to decide about early discharge of leukaemia patients especially in developing countries where prolonged stay can result in hospital acquired infections.