Haematological Profiling of Paediatric Patients with Acute Leukaemia at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, Harare

Abstract

Introduction This research project investigates the haematological profiling of pediatric patients diagnosed with acute leukemia at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare. Acute leukemia, characterized by the overproduction of immature white blood cells, is the most common cancer in children. Despite its significance, there is limited local research on the haematological parameters and clinical characteristics of these patients. Methodology A retrospective cross-sectional study design was employed to analyze medical records of pediatric patients under 17 years diagnosed with acute leukemia between January 2024 and September 2024. Data was collected from patient files in the pediatric oncology department, focusing on demographic information, clinical characteristics, and haematological parameters. The sample size was calculated to include at least 44 patients, ensuring statistical significance. Ethical approval was obtained, and patient confidentiality was maintained throughout the study. Results The study included 44 pediatric patients, with a predominance of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) over acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Key findings revealed that 60% of patients had elevated white blood cell counts, while 70% presented with low red blood cell counts and 78% with low platelet counts. Notably, the age group 0-4 years showed the highest prevalence of ALL. Gender analysis indicated that females had significantly lower red blood cell and platelet counts compared to males. Variations in haematological parameters were also observed based on treatment duration and response. Conclusion The findings highlight critical haematological characteristics of pediatric acute leukemia patients, emphasizing the need for tailored diagnostic and treatment strategies. The study underscores the importance of regular haematological profiling to monitor disease progression and treatment efficacy, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes in Zimbabwe. Further research is recommended to explore the underlying mechanisms of haematological changes and their implications for therapy.