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Malawi Medical Journal
College of Medicine, University of Malawi and Medical Association of Malawi
ISSN: 1995-7262
Vol. 31, No. 2, 2019, pp. 144-149
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Bioline Code: mm19025
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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Malawi Medical Journal, Vol. 31, No. 2, 2019, pp. 144-149
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Presenting features and treatment outcomes of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in a resource poor Southern Nigeria
Madu, Anazoeze Jude; Korubo, Kaladada; Okoye, Augustine; Ajuba, Ifeoma; Duru, Augustine N.; Ugwu, Angela O.; Nnachi, Oji & Okoye, Helen Chioma
Abstract
Background
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is a relatively common haematological malignancy affecting older adults, accounting for about 20% of
haematological malignancies in Nigeria. Diagnosis of this disease depends on the demonstration of clonal lymphocytosis > 5 x 109/L
with a characteristic immunophenotypic pattern amidst other clinical and laboratory features.
Objectives
To determine the predominant clinical and laboratory features of CLL at presentation and their relationship with patient survival. This
study also aims at examining the relationship between treatment protocol and outcome.
Methods: This is a retrospective study with 8 years data (2010-2018)collected from four different centers. Data was analyzed using
SPSS 20.0.
Results
There were a total of 97 cases, with a male: female ratio of 1.1:1. The median age at presentation was 59 years. Approximately 55%
of the patients presented at Binet stage C, with splenomegaly in 93.2% and 78% were anaemic. The mean white cell count was 137.9
± 14.7 x 109/L, with a median absolute lymphocyte count of 86 x 109/L. The commonest treatment regimen was chlorambucil and
prednisolone and males had a superior response. The number of chemotherapy cycles, serum alkaline phosphatase and aspartate
transaminase correlated positively with duration of survival. Mortality rate over the five year period was 14.3%.
Conclusion
CLL was found to present in younger patients when compared to previous studies with a median age of 57 years at diagnosis. Our
study showed a slight female preponderance and better response to therapy in males. Majority of the patients presented in Binet
stage C and were treated with chlorambucil-based drug combinations compared to more current treatment with Fludarabine-based
combinations. A high serum alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase was found to positively correlate with survival amongst
this patient population
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