Evolution of the Outcomes of Children with Acute Leukemia in Congo

Background: To lower the mori-mortality related to the aggressiveness of acute leukemia’s chemotherapy regimens, we have implemented in 2017 two low toxicity chemotherapy regimens and new supportive care strategies. The aim of the study is to evaluate our new treatments. Materials and Method: A retrospective study was carried out from January 2014 to May 2021 in the hematology department of the teaching hospital in Brazzaville. The study concerned 47 children diagnosed with acute leukemia. Participants were divided into two groups: acute leukemia diagnosed before 2017 (group 1: 23 children) and after 2017 (group 2: 14 children). They were compared using the chi-square. Results: The median age was 10.0 ± 5.01 years. Features and outcomes of group 2 were better. The median duration of symptoms was shorter: 2.45 ± 2.87 months (p = 0.036). The Karnosky score was higher (p = 0.002) and white blood cell count lower (p = 0.331). Both groups started the treatment with a delay of 6 days. The induction treatment was completed in 69.6% before 2017 versus 93.3% after. The rate of relapse was more important for group 1: 85.7% versus 14.3% (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Trainings of professionals have improved the characteristics outcomes of our patients and should be pursued. Considering the high relapse rate, our protocol will need to be intensified.