ALL-011: Prevalence of Leukemia Among the Population of the Republic of Karakalpakstan

Abstract

The goal is to assess the prevalence of the main forms of leukemia among urban and rural residents of various regions of Karakalpakstan. In 2000-2010 a retrospective analysis of 6476 case histories and outpatient records was performed in the Hematology departments of the Republican and city clinical hospitals of Nukus. Results For the period from 2000 to 2010, 252 (3.9%) cases of leukemia were registered for the first time in the Republic of Karakalpakstan (RK). Of these, 141 (49.5%) were men and 111 (38.9%) were women from the age 15 to 70 years. Men (average age - 35.8±1.34 years) get sick on average 1.3 times more than women (average age - 40.0±1.45 years). The structure of leukemia incidence in the population of RK is dominated by chronic myeloid leukemia (CML - 31.9%) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL - 22.5%). Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) are diagnosed mainly among rural residents, while AML and CML (24.2%) are quite often registered in urban residents. In RK, the chance of developing ALL (30.2% or 2.33; 95% CI 1.18-4.58; P=0.02) and AML (21.9% OR 7.47; 95% CI 2.23-25.0; P=0.0004) at a young age is 2 and 6.1 times higher, respectively, than in adulthood. The proportion of CML increased 2.3 times. The area of the drained bottom of the Aral Sea and adjacent territories, i.e. the Northern zone, was the most unfavorable in terms of the prevalence of leukemia. The incidence of leukemia was 2.5 times higher here compared to the southern zone. It is possible that the higher incidence of leukemia among the rural population is associated with the catastrophic environmental situation in the Aral Sea region. Extreme climatic conditions have formed in the region: strong dry air and dust storms with significant salt removal. Conclusion In the Republic of Karakalpakstan, CML is registered in 31.9% of cases and ALL in 22.5%, with a predominance among men. The average age of patients with leukemia is lower than the average in the Republic.