Abstract:
Background ‒ Depending on breakpoints of rearrangement
different types of BCR–ABL fusion protein can be
generated in patients of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
The aim of this study is to observe frequencies of major
transcripts in CML patients by reverse transcriptase polymerase
chain reaction (RT-PCR) and their hematological
features at the time of presentation.
Materials and methods ‒ This cross sectional study
was performed at Molecular Lab of Riphah International
University, Islamabad from January to June 2019. Consecutive
peripheral blood samples of 70 newly diagnosed CML
patients in chronic phase were analyzed by RT-PCR to detect
different BCR–ABL transcripts. Routine blood cell counts
were assessed by an automated hematology analyzer.
Results ‒ All samples expressed typical BCR–ABL rearrangement.
Expression of either e14a2 or e13a2 transcript
was detected in 38 (54%) and 30 (43%) patients, respectively.
Coexpression of e13a2 + e14a2 was found in 2 (3%)
patients. The mean total leukocyte count was higher in
group expressing e13a2 (P = 0.01). Higher mean platelet
count was noted in patients with e14a2 transcript, but
this difference was statistically insignificant (P = 0.1).
The association of male gender was observed with the
group exhibiting e14a2 (P = 0.01). There was no statistically
significant association between transcript type and
different ranges of age, hemoglobin levels, and platelet
and total leukocyte counts (P > 0.05).
Conclusion ‒ e14a2 transcript was most common transcript
in CML patients. Patients exhibiting e13a2 subgroup
presented with significantly higher mean white blood cell
count at the time of presentation. Significantly higher proportion of male patients was found to express e14a2
transcript over e13a2.
