RESUMO
Acute myeloblastic leukemia [AML] is a hematologic malignant disorder characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of myeloid progenotors. Cytogenetic analysis of AML patients, to identify different chromosomal abnormalities, is very important as a prognostic clue. This study aimed to detect any chromosomal abnormality, especially t [8; 21], in 20 patients suffering AML, and its impact on prognosis, using conventional karyotyping [G-banding], and fluorescence detection of in situ hybridization [FISH]. The later technique permits karyotypic analysis of non-dividing cells [interphase]. The most common presenting symptoms and signs were weight loss, fever, pallor, hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. Males were more commonly, affected than females, especially those of ages from 2 to 7 years [55%]. There was nonsignificant relationship between induction of remission and factors, as age, sex, consanguinity, FAB classification, massive lymphadenopathy, huge hepatosplenomegaly, initial, total leucocytic count [TLC], hemoglobin [Hb], platelet, blood blasts, or bone marrow blasts counts. A significant relationship between karyotyping and FISH results was reported. The results of the later was negative [normal] in 10 [50%], positive [t: 8.21] in 3 patients, no signal in 5/20 [25%], and red signal in 2/20 [10%]. It is concluded that FISH may be superior than classical karyotyping, in the detection of cytogenetic abnormalities of AML, and so it is of prognostic value