Appendicitis in acute leukemia.

The cases of five children with acute leukemia complicated by appendicitis were reviewed. All but one child had typical signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis, though four children were receiving prednisone. All five children underwent appendectomy, and all survived the immediate postoperative period. One child had a spontaneous remission following appendectomy. Two of three children in relapse suffered serious postoperative complications. Our experience supports the surgical management of appendicitis in acute leukemia.