Saudi Journal of Medicine (SJM)
Volume-6 | Issue-08 | 241-250
Original Research Article
Evaluation of Clinical and Laboratory Features of Newly Diagnosed Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia Patients Seen in Enugu, South-East Nigeria over a 2-Year Period Using Gen Expert Technology
Dr. Augustine Nwakuche Duru, Dr. Richard Okebaram, Dr. Kelechi Chikezie, Dr. Helen Okoye, Dr. Angela Ugwu, Dr. Charles Nonyelu, Dr. Ikechukwu Anigbogu, Dr. Ebele Muoghalu, Dr. Nneka Amu, Dr. Onochie Obodo, Dr. Anazoeze Madu, Dr. Theresa Nwagha, Mrs. Chika Rose Duru, Prof Sunday Ocheni
Published : Aug. 18, 2021
Abstract
Background: Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) of abnormal marrow stem cell with BCR-ABL1 fusion gene as a pathognomonic feature. In resource-poor countries, clinical and laboratory parameters were invaluable tools used in the diagnosis. However, the advent of GeneXpert technology was a paradigm shift in the detection of the fusion gene. Aim of the study: To highlight the clinical usefulness of geneXpert in the evaluation of clinical and laboratory features of newly diagnosed patients. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu. Sixty-five BCR-ABL 1 positive consenting patients were evaluated using demographic, clinical and laboratory data. Data was analyzed using GraphPad Prism software version 9 with probability <0.05 as statistically significant. Results: A total of 65 patients with mean age 45.22 + 15.44 years were studied. Age group 39 – 49 were mostly affected 20 (30.8%) with Enugu State having the highest disease burden 20 (30.8%). Abdominal swelling was the most common presenting feature 57 (87.7%) while splenomegaly was the most common finding on imaging 60 (92.3%). Mean WBC and BCR-ABL1 were 207.37 + 87.57 x 109/L and 41.02 + 24.53% (IS) respectively (r = -180, P = 0.015). Majority of the cases were in chronic phase 56 (86.2%). Risk assessment of cases on presentation using Sokal and Hasford scores were statistically significant (t = 20.23, P < 0.0001), [CI = 1429 to 1739]. Conclusion: There was improved diagnostic yield of cases of CML using the molecular diagnostic technique.