2024, Vol. 6, Issue 8, Part B
Flow cytometric evaluation of the CD34 marker as a prognostic factor in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Baghdad 2021
Author(s): Dr. Samir Hameed Wannas, Dr. Zina Salah Najeeb Al-Omer, Dr. Zainab Qais Said Al-Sabbagh, Dr. Zaid Wajih Awad Hasan and Dr. Riyadh Shiltagh Al-Rudaini
Abstract: Background: Leukemia is a heterogeneous group of hematological malignancies. It represents over one-third of all cancers affecting young children. CD34 marker is a cell surface glycoprotein that functions as a marker for identifying and isolating certain types of cells, particularly hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. The absence of CD34 expression is highly suggestive of acute promyelocytic leukemia. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of CD34 in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia and its correlation with clinical outcomes.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Oncology Department of Children's Welfare Teaching Hospital in Medical City/ Baghdad for 6 months, in 2021. A total of 50 children aged ≤ 12 years diagnosed with ALL were recruited. A structured questionnaire was designed for this study, including symptoms, physical signs, and hematological parameters. A blood film, bone marrow aspiration, and flow cytometry were done for all recruited children.
Results: The rate of positive CD34 was significantly higher among children aged < 5 years (75.7%, P=0.035), children who were classified with standard risk for ALL (64.9%, P=0.033), those who had B-ALL (89.2%, P=0.006), and children who had no CNS involvement (100%, P=0.001). The mean WBC count was significantly lower in children who had CD34 positive ALL than that in CD34 negative ALL. On the other hand, there was no significant association between CD34 expression and patients' gender, FAB classification, and response to the induction therapy.
Conclusions: The rate of positive CD34 was significantly higher among children aged < 5 years, children who were classified with standard risk for ALL, and those who had B-ALL. Further, children with CD34 positive ALL had a significantly lower mean WBC count compared to those with CD34 negative ALL. Evaluation of the co-expression of CD34 with CD10, growth fraction, multi-drug resistance, DNA index, and cytogenetic abnormalities with CD34 expression are recommended.
DOI: 10.33545/27068919.2024.v6.i8b.1260Pages: 117-122 | Views: 85 | Downloads: 33Download Full Article: Click Here
How to cite this article:
Dr. Samir Hameed Wannas, Dr. Zina Salah Najeeb Al-Omer, Dr. Zainab Qais Said Al-Sabbagh, Dr. Zaid Wajih Awad Hasan, Dr. Riyadh Shiltagh Al-Rudaini.
Flow cytometric evaluation of the CD34 marker as a prognostic factor in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Baghdad 2021. Int J Adv Acad Stud 2024;6(8):117-122. DOI:
10.33545/27068919.2024.v6.i8b.1260