DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjmcr.2025.v13i11.050

Pages: 2871-2873

Acute leukemia is the most common hematologic malignancy in children, although neonatal forms remain rare. In about two thirds of cases, the disease presents as acute myeloid leukemia, with a severe prognosis. We report a case of neonatal acute myeloblastic leukemia, occurring at birth and revealed by respiratory distress associated with “Blueberry Muffin Baby” syndrome. The biological assessment revealed hyperleukocytosis accompanied by bicytopenia, with a blast rate of 92% strongly positive for myeloperoxidase (MPO) on blood smear. This situation required treatment in neonatal intensive care, associated with reduced dose curative chemotherapy, including cytarabine. The development was marked by worsening respiratory distress, leading to the death of the newborn on day 13 of life. Neonatal leukemia remains rare, difficult to manage and requires a multidisciplinary approach. The prognosis remains generally guarded.