CROSS-SECTIONAL EVALUATION OF HEMATOLOGIC MALIGNANCY SUBTYPES AND THEIR FREQUENCY IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

: Hematologic malignancies represent significant causes of morbidity and mortality globally, with considerable variation in disease patterns across different geographic regions and healthcare settings. Understanding local epidemiology of these malignancies is essential for effective clinical management and resource allocation in tertiary care institutions.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Ventakeshwara Institute of Medical Sciences, Amroha, Uttar Pradesh over six months (March to August 2017). One hundred forty-eight consecutive patients with hematologic malignancies were evaluated using morphological examination, immunophenotyping via flow cytometry, cytochemical staining, and bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: Acute leukemias constituted 39.2% of cases (acute myeloid leukemia 28.4%, acute lymphoblastic leukemia 10.8%), followed by lymphomas 25.7% (non-Hodgkin 16.2%, Hodgkin 9.5%), chronic leukemias 21.6% (chronic myeloid 14.9%, chronic lymphocytic 6.7%), and plasma cell disorders 13.5%. Mean patient age was 51.2 years with male predominance (56.8%). Clinical manifestations varied by malignancy type: acute leukemias presented with fever (72.4%) and bleeding (65.5%); lymphomas with lymphadenopathy (84.2%); chronic leukemias with splenomegaly (56.3%); and plasma cell disorders with bone pain (70.0%). Flow cytometry confirmed accurate diagnostic classification in >95% of cases.

Conclusion: This study established the local epidemiological spectrum of hematologic malignancies and demonstrated characteristic clinical-laboratory correlations. Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation incorporating morphology and immunophenotyping remains essential for accurate malignancy classification and appropriate patient management.