Management of Acute Myeloblastic Leukaemia (AML) Treated with Intensive Chemotherapy: Experience in a Single Centre

Abstract

Introduction: Acute myeloblastic leukaemia (AML) is a haematological malignancy with a poor prognosis, despite significant therapeutic progress. This study presents the results of AML management in Mali according to GFAOP recommendations. Methodology: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study. It included patients aged 0 -15 years treated in the paediatric oncology unit for AML and followed up between January 2016 and December 2020. Results: During the study period, 85 cases of acute leukaemia were diagnosed in the paediatric oncology unit (including 51 cases of ALL), of which 34 cases of AML were included in this study. The majority were boys (59%). The mean age was 8 years, with extremes of 18 months and 15 years. The mean time to diagnosis was 68 days. In 79% of cases, patients were referred by 1st or 2nd level hospitals. Anaemia was observed in 91% of cases, an infectious syndrome in 68%, haemorrhage in 56% and a tumour syndrome in 85%. The haemogram showed hyperleukocytosis in 15% of cases, thrombocytosis in 22% and severe anaemia in 73%. Death occurred in 85% of cases, most often in the context of sepsis or haemorrhage. Conclusion: AML is probably underestimated in Mali and diagnosis delayed, which may be explained by patient-related factors (lack of knowledge, financial constraints) and a cumbersome referral system. These results suggest the need to implement an appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic strategy, with strong involvement of the political authorities.