Research in the area of life sciences reported from University of Benin
2008 JAN 17 -- "Sixty patients were prospectively studied with the aim of analyzing the clinical and laboratory features and outcome of patients diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) in a major referral center in Niger Delta region of Nigeria for 10 years (1995-2005). The peripheral blood, bone marrow cytology, clinical features and stage at diagnosis were studied," scientists in Nigeria report. "Treatment modalities, response to treatment and survival outcome of the patients were analysed. Sixty patients (15 men and 45 women) were seen, with female preponderance (M : F ratio, 1: 3). The CLL incidence was 36.4% of total leukaemias. The median age was 56 years with peak age group at 51-60 years while 15% were below 40 years. Major clinical findings include lymphadenopathy (91.7%), anaemia (58.3%), abdominal swelling (58.3%), and splenomegaly (50%) with 53 patients (88.3%) presenting as International (Binet) stage B and C while only seven patients (11.7%) were seen in stage A. The least clinical presentation includes Richter's syndrome in 3.3% of cases and herpes Zoster skin manifestations in two patients (3.3%). There was a strong association between the blood counts at diagnosis and outcome of therapy. The 2-year survival for young (< 55 years) and older (> 55 years) CLL patients was 27.2% and 28.9%, respectively, which is still very poor because of a number of strong limiting factors. CLL is not rare in Southern Nigeria and its presentations are similar to cases seen worldwide. Contrary to existing literature a female predominance was observed in this study with majority of patients seeking medical intervention late," wrote C.E. Omoti and colleagues, University of Benin. The researchers concluded: "It is therefore recommended that future research into the genetic make up/ HLA typing of patients of African descent is needed to clarify some of the differences observed." Omoti and colleagues published their study in International Journal of Laboratory Hematology (Chronic lymphoid leukaemia: clinico-haematological correlation and outcome in a single institution in Niger Delta region of Nigeria. International Journal of Laboratory Hematology, 2007;29(6):426-432). For additional information, contact C.E. Omoti, University of Benin, Teaching Hospital, Dept. of Hematology, PMB 1111, Benin, NigerIA. The publisher's contact information for the International Journal of Laboratory Hematology is: Blackwell Publishing, 9600 Garsington Rd., Oxford OX4 2DQ, Oxon, England. Keywords: Nigeria, Life Sciences, Hematology, Lymphadenopathy, Splenomegaly, Gastroenterology, Bone Marrow, Cytology, University of Benin. This article was prepared by Blood Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, Blood Weekly via NewsRx.com.
|
