Keywords
pediatrics
diagnosis
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most frequent type of cancer in children. Effective screening tests are not available, therefore appropriate and adequate diagnosis is based on the clinical and paraclinical features.
Objective: To estimate the frequency of symptoms, clinical and paraclinical signs at diagnosis in patients with ALL treated at Centro Javeriano de Oncologia. Methods: We reviewed clinical charts of ALL patients 0 to 15 years old, from October 2004 to June 2012. Frequency of specific clinical features was estimated.
Results: 54 patients were evaluated. Mucocutaneous pallor was the most frequent finding (66 %), followed by malaise (53 %). Thrombocytopenia was found in 81 % of the cases.
Conclusion: Clinical and paraclinical features suggestive of ALL, are not specific and may cause confusion of medical staff, even though knowledge of the disease and its manifestations allows correct diagnosis.
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