Changes in Patterns of Leukaemia in Algeria, 1966-1985

Changes in Patterns of Leukaemia in Algeria, 1966-1985 N. Boudjerra S. Belabbes P. Colonna Alger Dr. N. Boudjerra, Dr. S. Belabbes, Dr. P. Colonna, Service d’Hématologie (CPMC), Hôpital Mustapha, Alger (Algeria) The reports on leukaemias in Jordan [1] and in North-West India [2] show certain differences between developing countries and industrialized countries. Leukaemias in developing countries are more commonly chronic, involve a younger age group, and the male:female ratio is higher. In Algeria, similar observations have been made in the past [3, 4]. However, Indian authors asked whether there will be a change in patterns of leukaemias [2] as it was observed in developed countries, particularly a rise in leukaemia incidence in older age groups and a diminishing male preponderance [5]. Some changes are observed in Algeria over the past 20 years (1966-1985) when comparing the 1966-75 decade to the 1976-85 decade (table I). The rise in the number of cases (893 to 1,010) results from the rise in Table I. Comparative data of leukemic cases from Algiers, 1966-1975 and 1976-1985