Clinical Characteristics and Outcome of Children With Burkitt Lymphoma in Uganda According to HIV Infection

Background. Characteristics of children with Burkitt lymphoma (130 and HIV infection have riot been described in Uganda before. Procedure. We reviewed records at Uganda Canter Institute (UCI) for years 1994-2004, to compare clinical features and outcome of BL in children who, are HIV positive and negalive (HIV+, HIV-). As statistical methods we used student's t-test, Chi-Square and Kaplan-jMeier's to compare both groups. Results of 1,462 records of children retrieved, 228 met the eligibility criteria and were reviewed (158 HIV-, 70 HIV+). There were 139 (61 %) males and 89 (39%) females. The mean age was 6.9 years (HIV+ 6.7, HIV- 7.1). One hundred seventy-one case,; (75%) had facial tumor (HIV+ 71.4%, HIV-76.6%). HIV positive children presented sigificantly with extrafacial disease (lymphadenopathy 67%, hepatic masses 51%, and thoracic masses 10%). Presentation with advanced stage disease occurred mole frequently in HIV positive patients compared to HIV negative patients. Treatment response rates to chemotherapy were similar irrespective of HIV status. However, overall Survival was poorer if) HIV positive patients with a median survival of 11.79 months (P-value < 0.000, 95% CI 8.65-14.92). Conclusions. BL in Uganda presents frequently with facial disease irrespective of HIV status. However HIV+ BL also presents. commonly with extra facial sites, mainly lymphadenopathy. There is no difference in response to treatment with chemotherapy, but HIV+ BL patients have, poorer survival. There is need for wither characterization of BL in Uganda to understand the role of HIV in disease process and outcome. Pediatr blood Cancer 2009;-52:455-458 (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss. Inc.