RISK FACTORS OF CHILDHOOD LEUJ(EMIA (A Case-control study)

Abstract

Leukemia is the most •common cancer in .children. In the NCI, Cairo from 1990-1994 lymphohematopoietic malignancies :(leukemia 33.54% and lymphoma 30.45%) werethe commonest below age of 18 years. This cross sectional case control study was carried out to evaluate '\ different risk factors, and find association of many•possible risk factors ' for childhood leukemia as it may be possible'to begin to consider the \ feasibility of applying preventive 111easures or intervention strategies{or ) it. The study included I OOpediatric leukemic case from the NCI Cairo and 250 pediatric controls age and sex matched with cases, 150 siblings • fcases -(internal controls), and I 00 nonfamily{external •controls). \Univariate analysis showed that: birth order, ,paternal smoking and nun1t::er of cigarette/day, family history of •cancer and anomalies, preco c otion radiation and hormonal treatment of the mother for infertility,l,conti'aceptive drugs, pregnancy at extremes ofchildbearing period, exposure to radiation during pregnancy, drug intake during -pregnancy, e.onatal cyanosis, neonatal drug intake, lesser period of br ast feeding: -.,consanguinity and certain patemal occupation were associated with in'creased likelihood ofchildhood leukemia.