[Effect on peripheral blood cells in children with acute leukemia during remission by intramuscular injected of arabinosyl-cytosine (author's transl)].

Investigation was done in children with acute leukemia in complete hematological remission. It was tested whether out-patient treatment by intramuscular administration of arabinosylcytosine (Ara-C) may obviate the continuous intravenous Ara-C regimen. Every therapy cycle lasted 5 days. Changes in peripheral blood cell counts after 5 days of continuous intravenous. Ara-C infusion against 5 days of intramuscular Ara-C application given every 12 h were tested. 129 cycles of intramuscular application and 11 cycles of intravenous application were evaluated. Evaluation was done by the Friedmanntest. There was a significant decrease in blood cell counts after intramuscular Ara-C treatment. When administered intramuscularly during the first cycle Ara-C was effective for at least 3 weeks, whereas after repeated cycles the decline of blood cells was only demonstrable for 14 days. A comparison of the effect between intravenous and intramuscular routes revealed similar results. No local side effects were noted when Ara-C was given intramuscularly.