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Epidemiological Profile of Pediatric Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Admitted to Four Hospitals in
Regiane Nogueira Spalanzani1,2, Liana Alves de Oliveira2, Sara Cristina Lobo-Alves2
1Faculdades Pequeno Príncipe, Av. Iguaçu, 333, Rebouças, Curitiba CEP 80230-020, PR, Brazil.
Insights
This study analyzed the epidemiology of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in southern Brazil. Findings reveal key demographic and risk factors, aiding public health strategies for this common childhood cancer.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Epidemiology
- Hematology
Background:
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer.
- Understanding ALL epidemiology is crucial for public health interventions.
- This study focuses on the southern Brazilian population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the epidemiological profiles of childhood ALL in southern Brazil.
- To identify potential risk factors associated with ALL in this region.
- To provide data for guiding public health strategies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of clinical and epidemiological data.
- Inclusion of 71 newly diagnosed pediatric ALL patients (ages 1-15).
- Data collected from four hospitals in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
Main Results:
- The majority of patients were male (60.6%), aged 1-3 years (36.6%), and identified as White (66.2%).
- A significant proportion had a family history of cancer (46.5%) and parental environmental exposures (smoking 42.3%, occupational 23.9%).
- B-cell ALL (85.9%) was predominant, with high hyperdiploidy as the most frequent molecular subtype (23.9%).
Conclusions:
- The study provides essential insights into the epidemiology of childhood ALL in southern Brazil.
- Findings highlight regional variations in ALL characteristics within Brazil.
- Data can inform targeted public health initiatives and further research.
Background/Objectives:
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood malignancy. Understanding its epidemiological characteristics is essential for guiding public health strategies. In this study, we characterized the epidemiological profiles that may contribute to the risk of ALL in children in southern Brazil.
Methods:
Clinical and epidemiological data from 71 children (1-15 years old) admitted and newly diagnosed with ALL at four hospitals in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, were retrieved and analyzed.
Results:
Among the 71 children with ALL, the majority were male (n = 43, 60.6%), with an age range of 1-3 years (n = 26, 36.6%), self-identified as White (n = 47, 66.2%), and were born in Paraná state (n = 61, 85.9%). Nearly half had a family history of cancer (n = 33, 46.5%), primarily among grandparents (n = 36, 61%). Parental environmental exposures included smoking (n = 30, 42.3%) and occupational exposure to chemicals or radiation (n = 17, 23.9%). At diagnosis, most patients (n = 43, 60.5%) had a bone marrow blast count > 70%, and 27 patients (38%) had a peripheral blood blast count > 70%. B-cell ALL was the predominant subtype (n = 61, 85.9%). In B-cell ALL cases, the most frequent molecular subtype was high hyperdiploidy (n = 17, 23.9%). White blood cell counts differed significantly between the B-cell ALL and T-cell ALL groups (p = 0.029).
Conclusions:
Our findings provide insights into ALL epidemiology in southern Brazil and highlight regional differences across the country.
