The expression of HOTAIR was significantly upregulated in the AML patients compared with the healthy controls, and markedly decreased in the patients post-treatment compared with pre-treatment. Moreover, high levels of HOTAIR were associated with higher white blood cell and BM blast counts, and lower hemoglobin and platelet counts. Patients with a high level of HOTAIR expression had relatively poor overall survival and relapse-free survival times compared with those with a low level of HOTAIR expression.