Patterns of the Leukemia Records that were Referred to the Regional Laboratory in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Clin Lab. 2024 Aug 1;70(8). doi: 10.7754/Clin.Lab.2024.240210.

Abstract

Background: Leukemia is the fifth most common cancer in Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study was to assess the various patterns of leukemia associated with age, gender, and nationality in this region.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the regional laboratory in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, from April to November 2023. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies and percentages by using the GraphPad Prism software.

Results: This study included 107 patients, and the results showed that leukemia cases were higher in males than females and more prevalent in older patients (above 50 years of age). Overall, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) were the most common types of leukemia among Saudi patients. In addition, AML was the most prevalent type of leukemia in males and females, followed by ALL. Data also revealed that ALL was the most common type in the younger population, whereas AML was highly prevalent in older patients.

Conclusions: In conclusion, this study provides valuable information about the patterns of leukemia reported at the regional laboratory in Makkah and will help in designing management and preventive approaches for these patients. This epidemiological investigation is also valuable for establishing proper medical databases.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Leukemia* / diagnosis
  • Leukemia* / epidemiology
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / diagnosis
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / diagnosis
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / epidemiology
  • Prevalence
  • Saudi Arabia / epidemiology
  • Young Adult