Clinico-pathologic features of chronic myeloid leukemia and risk stratification according to Sokal score

To compile the clinical and haematological parameters of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and risk stratification according to Sokal score in our population.

A descriptive analysis.

The Aga Khan University Hospital, during the period from August 1997 to August 2005.

All patients with diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia treated as outpatient in haematology clinic, or admitted in haem-oncology wards in The Aga Khan University Hospital were included. Records were retrospectively analyzed for clinicopathologic features. Risk groups were assigned as per Sokal scoring.

During the 8 years study period, 245 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia were analyzed, the median age of presentation was 35 years (range 11-73); with male to female ratio 1.69:1. At the time of diagnosis, 178 patients (72.6%), 48 (19.7%) and 17 (7.8%) of patients were in chronic, accelerated and blast phase of the disease respectively. Abdominal fullness was the frequent clinical presentation followed by fever. Laboratory parameters revealed mean hemoglobin 10.0 g/dl (range 4.6-15), mean total leukocyte count 168 x 10(9)/L (35-959) and mean platelets 408 x 10(9)/L (range 30-2335). The mean size of spleen at the time of presentation was 9.2 cm below the left subcostal margin. A large number of patients (46.2%) were in high risk group according to Sokal score i.e. > 1.2.

CML occurred more commonly at younger age in this series. Most of these patients were in high risk group according to Sokal score.