Introduction.

Neonatal leukemia occurs during the first four weeks after birth, corresponding to 1% of all pediatric leukemias. It is characterized byleukemogenesis in the uterus, which is related to genotoxicity and polluted environment. Acute myeloid leukemia representas the vast majority of cases (60%), chromosomal alterations concerning 11q23 region. Common signs involve leukemia cutis, hepatosplenomegaly and leukocytosis higher than 100,000/ul.

Objective.

To determine the epidemiological characteristics of neonatal leukemia in Bolivia.

Material and methods.

Retrospective descriptive study of neonatal leukemias diagnosed between 2007 and 2023. Epidemiological data regarding clinical characteristics, morphological and immunophenotypic features, laboratory results at diagnosis and follow-up, as well as, residency of the mother during pregnancy were collected.

Results.

A total of 13 cases were evidenced, mean neonatal age was 20 days, with a higher incidence in male neonates (n=9, 69%). AML (9 cases, 69%) was the most common type of leukemia (mainly AML M7 subtype), followed by B-ALL (n=4). 7 cases were from Santa Cruz (54%), 3 from Cochabamba (23%), consecutively La Paz, Beni and Chuquisaca with 1 case each (23%). Laboratory characteristics displayed mean leukocytosis of106,000/ul, mean Hb 13,2 g/dl and platelets 209.000/ ul.

Conclusions.

The incidence of neonatal leukemia in Santa Cruz and Cochabamba stands a public health interest, which requires scrutinizing risk factors related to its etiology and the impact of environmental pollution in those region.

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