[Associated risk factors in acute leukemia in children. A cases and controls study]

To investigate the risk factors associated with childhood acute leukemia (CHAL).

During a year period 47 prevalent and incidental cases with CHAL and 47 controls (healthy children) were included. They were matched by gender, age (+/- 3 years) and residence area. Sociodemographic, gyneco-obstetric, perinatal features, parents' use of alcohol or smoking, exposure to electromagnetic fields and exposure to pesticides 3 months before and during pregnancy were assessed. Associations were assessed using odds ratios (OR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI).

The average age was 7.2 +/- 4.4 years; 61.7 % were male. An increased OR was found for domestic (OR = 2.1, CI 95 = % 1.5-2.9) or garden (OR = 1.8, IC 95 % = 1.2-2.6) use of pesticides three months before pregnancy. A non-significant frequency was observed with previous fetal death, neonatal jaundice, smoking 3 months before pregnancy, father intake of alcohol, pesticides use during pregnancy at home or garden and living close (< 60 m) to agricultural fields.

The domestic or garden use of pesticides three months before pregnancy may play a role in the etiology of CHAL.