[Epidemiological characteristics of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children from Tuzla Canton]

This study was undertaken to determine epidemiological characteristics of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children aged 0-14 years from Tuzla Canton, during a 13-year period (1995-2007). This retrospective study analyzed patient medical records from University Department of Pediatrics, Tuzla University Clinical Center, as well as documentation of other medical facilities providing additional diagnostic and therapeutic treatment to these patients. Records on the population of children during the study period were obtained from Federal Department of Statistics. ALL was diagnosed in 41 children, 27 (66.0%) male and 14 (34.1%) female. The mean incidence rate for both sexes was 3.3/100,000 (2.3-4.4). It was higher in boys (4.2/100,000) than in girls (2.3/100,000). The highest incidence rate was recorded in 2002 (7.6/100,000). Study results provided reliable insight into the epidemiological characteristics of ALL in children from Tuzla Canton and proved useful for planning a pediatric health care program in the area.