Factors affecting survival in White and Asian children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
2000

Survival Factors in Children with Leukaemia

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Powell J E, Mendez E, Parkes S E, Mann J R

Primary Institution: University of Birmingham

Hypothesis

Do Asian children with leukaemia have worse outcomes compared to White children?

Conclusion

Asian children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) treated at the Birmingham Children's Hospital had similar survival rates to White children, despite facing greater deprivation and poorer nutrition.

Supporting Evidence

  • Asian children with ALL had similar survival rates to White children despite facing greater deprivation.
  • During 1980-1984, Asians had significantly poorer survival rates even after adjusting for prognostic factors.
  • Poor treatment compliance may have contributed to the survival differences observed.

Takeaway

The study found that Asian kids with leukaemia did just as well as White kids when treated, even though they had more challenges like less money and worse food.

Methodology

The study analyzed survival rates of Asian and White children with ALL treated at a specific hospital over a set period.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to treatment compliance issues during the studied period.

Limitations

The study only covers a specific time frame and location, which may not represent broader trends.

Participant Demographics

Children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia from White and Asian ethnic backgrounds.

Statistical Information

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1054/bjoc.1999.1080

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