clove and Burkitt-Lymphoma

Burkitt lymphoma (LB), a frequent, very progressive cancer with multiple factors, can be cured. However, the mortality rate remains high in Madagascar.. To analyse the epidemiological aspects of LB as well as related socio-economical issues in order to improve successful treatment of the disease.. Retrospective study of files for children aged under 15 years, hospitalised for LB in the Antananarivo oncology unit from October 1985 to June 2000. The inclusion criteria were anatomo-pathological, clinical and/or X-ray results. Studied parameters included age, sex, ethnic group, medical history, and the distance covered by the child before his/her hospitalisation.. The 77 cases of LB represented 16% of all children aged under 15 years seen in the hospital. The characteristics of the cases corresponded to those of African endemic LB. Most of the children with LB came from areas with endemic malaria, the Eastern and the Centre of Madagascar. All of them belonged to underprivileged families. Early medical advice was sought but distance from services delayed treatment. Various units referred the children, but especially oral surgeons (stomatologists) and ORL physicians.. A strategy to ensure rapid treatment for children suffering from LB should be developed, from their region of origin up until treatment. This should involve parents as well as all members of the medical staff in charge of these children.

Topics: Adolescent; Burkitt Lymphoma; Child; Child, Preschool; Endemic Diseases; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Madagascar; Malaria; Male; Retrospective Studies; Socioeconomic Factors

Burkitt Lymphoma (LB), a very progressive malignant lymphoma, can now be cured by chemotherapy. However, protocols used currently by developed countries are costly and can cause problems of tolerance for underprivileged children.. To develop a protocol of care for Malagasy children suffering from LB.. A retrospective study of the files of children aged under 15 aged years, hospitalised for LB with anatomo-pathological evidence, in the Antananarivo Oncology Unit from October 1985 to June 2000. Clinical characteristics, (paraclinical) investigations, treatment and responses to treatment were studied.. 40 medical records included a LB anatomo-pathological evidence. The mean age of children was 7.5 years, with a sex ratio in favour of males. All children were underweight. Maxillo-facial tumours prevailed. Other locations for tumours had also been observed, both unique or immediately multiple. Patients seem to have arrived at the hospital in the early stages of the disease, but lack of investigation probably introduced biases to the evaluation of these stages. Chemotherapy, even though incomplete due to its cost, remained the main means of treatment. Generally speaking, an immediate, favourable response was obtained, but the toxicity of chemotherapy, especially haematological toxicity, contributed to malnutrition. Overall results indicated an immediate mortality rate of 22.5%, but there was loss of follow-up for many patients.. A specific protocol of LB care in Madagascar appears to be possible. Such a protocol should be based on experience with treatments, and should take into account disease characteristics, the response of Malagasy children to the treatment, as well as the country's economic state.

Topics: Adolescent; Antineoplastic Agents; Burkitt Lymphoma; Child; Child, Preschool; Facial Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Madagascar; Male; Maxillary Neoplasms; Nutrition Disorders; Prospective Studies; Radiotherapy; Remission Induction; Retrospective Studies

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Burkitt Lymphoma; Child; Child, Preschool; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Madagascar; Male; Retrospective Studies; Sex Factors