Myleran in Pregnancy

Myleran (1,4-dimethanesulfonoxybutane) administered by mouth is generally considered the treatment of choice in chronic myelocytic leukemia. However, it is known to depress normal as well as neoplastic myeloid tissue. Its use in a pregnant woman with this type of leukemia and its possible effects on the fetus and, especially, fetal bone marrow have not been re- ported to my knowledge. Several hematologists and internists have indicated in personal communications that they have had no experience in observing the course of pregnancy in a patient receiving Myleran. Consequently, it was felt this experience should be reported. A 31-year-old married Japanese graduate nurse was subjected on March 2, 1954 (preparatory to a dental extraction) to a complete blood cell count and determination of bleeding and clotting time. The white blood cell count was 194,000 per cubic millimeter. The differential count showed a predominance of myeloid juvenile and stab forms. The red blood cell count was 4,210,000 per cubic millimeter, with 12 gm. of hemoglobin per 100 cc, and the platelets numbered 570,000 per cubic millimeter. Except