Demographic and Clinical Profiles of Paediatric Patients

We are a referral centre for paediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in central South Africa. Is the demographic profile of our patients different and, if so, in what manner does it differ from that of patients abroad as well as locally at other centres in South Africa? A retrospective analysis of 133 children with ALL was performed to evaluate the demographics and different clinical variables influencing prognosis of patients with ALL in central South Africa. Age below 1 year had the worst overall survival rate (p value: 0.0170). More than 80% of patients were anaemic and/or thrombocytopenic at diagnosis. B series ALL (RR: 2.44) was associated with a shorter overall survival rate. The survival rates of paediatric patients with ALL in central South Africa were less than that quoted from the developed world. In attempt to determine which risks as well as prognostic variables influence the course of childhood leukaemias, particularly in central South Africa, we hope to find a better treatment protocol that will suit leukaemic patients in our setting.