[Children born of leukemic parents. Apropos of 23 children].

We have studied the children born of leukemic parents who treatment had stopped. In total, 8 women (3 acute myeloblastic leukemias and 5 acute lymphoblastic leukemias) who gave birth to 11 children, and 6 men (all with acute lymphoblastic leukemias) who fathered 12 children were studied. Of these 23 children, two have a severe congenital malformation, one congenital hypopituitarism associated with mid-line defect, and one laparoschisis, and also two benign abnormalities were observed. The children with abnormalities had a leukemic mother, whilst no leukemic father had an abnormal child. It is well known that the toxic effect of chemotherapy is different in the male and the female gonad. These results are compared to those in the literature, and at present it appears difficult to form a clear opinion on the delayed teratogenic effect of chemotherapy. Fecundity and the risk for future generations are unknown. The opening of an international registry would be useful.