Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: an Experience of a decade at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To determine the spectrum of presentation of CLL regarding blood and bone marrow findings. Study Design: Descriptive study. Place and Duration: Conducted at the Department of Haematology, Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi, from April 1999 to December 2010. Materials and Methods: All the patients presented with CLL to the haematology department were reviewed in the study. Out of the 3369 patients presenting to department, 33 patients were diagnosed as CLL and evaluated separately. Hiatory, clinical findings, peripheral blood picture and bone marrow findings were noted. Results: CLL was the least common of all the leukaemias. Out of 33 patients, majority presented with fever, weight loss and generalized weakness. Splenomegaly, hepatomegaly and lymphadenopathy were the most common clinical features. Conclusion: CLL is mostly diagnosed in the advanced stage of disease. Awareness to investigate any swelling, lump or nodule would help an early diagnosis and management of the disease.