Types of Acute Leukemia in Children Aged 5-18 years Presenting to A Tertiary Care Hospital in Northern Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: To identify the common types of acute leukemias in children aged 5-18 years presenting to Tertiary Care Hospital.

Methodology: The descriptive cross-sectionally designed with a consecutive sampling technique study was conducted at the Department of Pathology, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar from 1st April-30th September 2017. The main outcome measures will be the classification of acute leukemia in children aged 5-18 years presenting to Tertiary Care Hospital. A total of three hundred & eighty-nine (n=389) patients were recruited for our study. After informed consent from parents of children, detailed clinical history and examination were carried out. Blood counts were performed on an automated haematology analyzer (Sysmex XN-450). Peripheral blood and bone marrow smears were stained with Giemsa and myeloperoxidase stain. Trephine biopsies were stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Findings of bone marrow aspiration and trephine biopsies were interpreted in the light of history, clinical examination, and peripheral blood findings. FAB classification of acute leukemias was applied for sub-typing.

Results: Among 389 patients, 80% (n=311) had acute lymphoblastic leukemia, while 20% (n=78) had acute myeloid leukemia.

Conclusion: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is more prevalent in children aged 5-18 years, compared to acute myeloid leukemia.