In previous studies of cytotoxic chemotherapy, early deaths during induction in patients with APL occurred primarily as a consequence of intracranial hemorrhage.14,15 The hemorrhagic diathesis of APL is related to depletion of platelets and clotting factors, probably owing to leukemic cell lysis and release of procoagulant or fibrinolytic materials into the circulation.16,17 Early mortality from this problem has ranged from 10% to 47% in published series.18,19 According to published studies PML(S) RARα isoform has been related to inferior duration of remission and overall survival.20 This evidence concerns the gene PML and intracranial hemorrhage.