Haematology Watch, Vol 3, Issue 1.
ORIGINAL ARTICLES ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Abstract:
Objective: To compare clinico-haematological features of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in children and adults.
Design: Retrospective observational study.
Place and duration of study: Fauji Foundation Hospital Rawalpindi, from 9th Apr, 2005 to 11th Nov, 2009.
Materials and Methods: All age groups diagnosed as acute lymphoblastic leukaemia based on bone marrow aspirate morphology and special stains were included. Data of history, examination, and laboratory investigations (including CBC, peripheral blood morphology, and bone marrow aspirate) at diagnosis was analyzed by using descriptive statistics.
Results: Out of 40 patients, 57% were children. Male:female ratio was 3:1 in children and 1:1 in adults. Fever was present in 74% children and 47% adults. Pallor was present in 39% children and 18% adults. Weakness was present in 41% adults and 9% children. Bleeding gums was present in 18% adult and 4% children. Bone pain was present in 18% adult and 4% children. Hepatomegaly was present in 74% children and 53% adults. Splenomegaly was present in 74% children and 47% adults. Lymph nodes were equally enlarged. There was no significant difference in Haemoglobin %, Total leukocyte and Platelet counts, and peripheral blood morphology. Pancytopenia was seen in 9% children and 6% adults. On marrow aspirate, mean lymphoblast percentages were similar. Children showed 61%, 41%, 9% frequency for ALL-L1, L2, and L3 and adults showed 41% 53%, 6% frequency respectively. B and T type % were similar.
Conclusion: Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia affected more children than adults; fever, pancytopenia and organomegaly were more pronounced in children, showing advanced stage at presentation.