Incidence of Acute and Chronic Forms of Leukemia in Haryana

Objective: The prevalence of leukemia is known to vary throughout the India. The observed geographic variation in incidence remains unexplained as yet. Previous studies have shown important differences in geographic, racial/ ethnic, age and trend patterns for different leukemia subtypes. Thus, suggesting that subtypes may have different etiologic factors. So, an attempt was made to find out geographic pattern of leukemia and its distribution throughout the Haryana. Methods: Study of 650 cases of leukemia, with cooperation from the Department of Pathology, during 2008-12 was done. We analyzed the pattern by morphological subtype, gender, age at diagnosis, distribution according to prevalence, risk factors, laboratory parameters and clinical features of leukemia. Results: In present study, 51% patients were suffering from acute forms of leukemia while 49% suffered from chronic type. Leukemia was more frequently observed in adults. Male to female ratio was 2:1 and majority of the patients (88.92%) belonged to six districts (i.e. Rohtak, Jind, Bhiwani, Sonipat, Jhajjar, Hissar). Conclusion: Low grade fever, progressive pallor, weakness and body aches were the commonest symptoms (70% cases) while pallor was the frequently observed sign.