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Childhood leukemia is still a deadly disease in Yaounde, Cameroon: a report of 14 cases
M T Obama1, L Zekeng, P K Ketchiozo
1Pediatric Service, University Teaching Hospital Center (UTHC), Yaounde, Cameroon.
Insights
Acute leukemia is a significant malignancy in hospitalized children in Yaounde, with acute lymphoblastic leukemia being the most common type. The study highlights a high mortality rate among these pediatric cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Hematology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Malignancies in children represent a significant health challenge.
- Understanding the spectrum of pediatric cancers is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and characteristics of acute leukemia in hospitalized pediatric patients.
- To identify the predominant subtype of acute leukemia and associated demographic factors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of hospitalized children aged 0-15 years with malignancy.
- Morphologic and cytochemical analyses for leukemia diagnosis.
- Data collection on patient demographics, leukemia subtype, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Out of 2,900 hospitalized children, 58 (2%) had malignancy.
- Acute leukemia was diagnosed in 14 (24.1%) of these children.
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) accounted for 78.6% of acute leukemia cases.
- The male to female ratio was 1.3:1, with 64.3% of affected children aged 5 years or younger.
- A high mortality rate of 78.6% was observed due to disease progression and complications.
Conclusions:
- Acute leukemia, particularly ALL, is a prevalent and aggressive malignancy in hospitalized children in Yaounde.
- Young children and males appear to be more affected.
- The high mortality rate underscores the need for improved diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for pediatric acute leukemia.
Abstract:
In the Pediatric Unit of the University Teaching Hospital Center of Yaounde, 58 of 2,900 (2%) hospitalized children aged 0 to 15 years who had a malignancy were studied. Fourteen (24.1%) had acute leukemia based on morphologic and cytochemical studies. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia was encountered in 11 of these patients (78.6%). The male to female ratio was 1.3 to 1. Nine of the 11 children (64.3%) were 5 years of age or younger. Eleven (78.6%) died of disease progression and its complications.