Characteristics of chronic lymphocytic leukemia in Senegal

Abstract

BackgroundChronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a mature B-cell neoplasm characterized by the expansion of CD5-positive lymphocytes in peripheral blood. While CLL is the most common type of leukemia in Western populations, the disease is rare in Africans. Hence, clinical and laboratory data and studies of CLL in Sub Saharan populations have been limited. The aims of this study were to analyze the characteristics of senegalese patients with CLL at the time of the diagnosis and to identify the correlation between clinical characteristics (Binet stage) with age, gender, laboratory parameters and chromosomal abnormalities.MethodsIn this study, we investigated the clinical and laboratory characteristics of CLL in Senegal. A total of 40 patients who had been diagnosed with CLL during the period from July 2011 to April 2015 in Senegal were evaluated. Cytology and immunophenotype were performed in all patients to confirm the diagnosis. The prognosis factors such as Binet staging, CD38 and cytogenetic abnormalities were studied. The statistical analysis was performed using STATA version 13 (Stata college station Texas). Each patient signed a free and informed consent form before participating in the study.ResultsThe mean age was 61 years ranged from 48 to 85. There were 31 males and only 9 females (sex ratio M : F = 3,44). At diagnosic, 82.5 % of the patients were classified as having advanced Binet stages B or C. The prognosis marker CD38 was positive in 28 patients. Cytogenetic abnormalities studied by FISH were performed in 25 patients, among them, 68 % (17 cases) had at least one cytogenetic abnormality and 28 % had 2 simultaneous cytogenetic abnormalities.ConclusionAfricans may present with CLL at a younger age and our data suggest that CLL in Senegal may be more aggressive than in Western populations.

Evaluation of Immunophenotypic Markers and Clinico-Hematological Profile in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Implications for Prognosis

“…However, Sall et al study reported that lymphocyte count was signi cantly greater in patients with stage C than groups with stages A or B(24). Furthermore, Ahmed et al in a study reported that there was not signi cant associated between CBC results and advanced Rai stage(25).Although Bakouny et al did not nd signi cant relation between PLR with the survival of CLL patients(26), there was a negative association between PLR and advanced clinical stages of CLL in our study. Taken together, we can hypothesis that PLR can act as a prognostic biomarker in CLL patients which requires further investigation.…”

Hematological malignancies in East Africa—Which cancers to expect and how to provide services

“…A median age of 56 was recorded in patients with CLL in this cohort, which again compares to higher ages of 65-70 years in European and Northern American publications [12,13,14]. This younger age appears to correlate with an emerging pattern in African patients with average ages at onset of 56, 55 and 61 in Nigerian, Ethiopian and Senegalese cohorts respectively [15,16,17]. Unlike in MM however, younger age at presentation has also been reported in black patients in high income settings [18].…”

Evaluation of immunophenotypic markers and clinico-hematological profile in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: implications for prognosis

“…Similarly, Basabaeen et al showed that thrombocytopenia was significantly correlated with splenomegaly [24]. However, Sall et al study reported that lymphocyte count was significantly greater in patients with stage C than groups with stages A or B [25]. Furthermore, Ahmed et al in a study reported that there was not significant associated between CBC results and advanced Rai stage [26].…”