Numerical Chromosomal Aberrations in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in North Indians

Introduction: Alterations in chromosome number have a strong impact on outcome in childhood ALL. Genetic findings may predict the prognosis and biologic properties of the leukemia more consistently than does morphology. To see the numerical aberrations in ALL in North Indian population Material and Methods: Culture and chromosome banding of bone marrow and blood sample of 51 North Indian patients of ALL (44 males and 7 females) from the age group of 2 to 42 years were done. Only 39 shows good chromosomal spread, so 39 karyograms were prepared and observed for the chromosomal gain or loss and their frequency. Results: Numerical abnormalities were observed in 14 patients (35.9%) of the 39 cytogenetically analysed cases. Trisomy 21 was found in 3 cases. Trisomy of chromosome number 13 and 14 were found in 5.12% cases. Trisomy of chromosome number 3, 4, 6, 8, 11, 15, 17 and 18 were present in 2.56% cases (Fig. 21, 30, 31, 34, 35, 42). Gain of chromosome X was seen in 5.12% cases while only in one case (2.56%) gain of chromosome Y was detected. Discussion and Conclusion: Numerical chromosomal abnormality in this study was 15.38% which was different from other population described in previous studies. Trisomy 21 is most common in this study. The findings of the present study may be useful for the clinician in predicting outcome, remission, survival and treatment response in ALL.