Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Acuity of Presentation Among Children With Newly Diagnosed Acute Leukemia

Authors

Lena E Winestone
Kelly D Getz
Yimei Li
Evanette Burrows
Michael E Scheurer
Vicky Tam
M Monica Gramatges
Jennifer J Wilkes
Tamara P Miller
Alix E Seif
Karen R Rabin
Brian T Fisher
Richard Aplenc

Language

English

Publication Date

1-1-2024

Journal

Pediatric Blood & Cancer

DOI

10.1002/pbc.30726

PMID

37856154

PMCID

PMC11905159

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

3-13-2025

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Author MSS

Abstract

We evaluated disparities in disease burden, organ dysfunction, vital signs, and timing of therapy in children newly presenting with acute leukemia. Among 899 patients with acute leukemia diagnosed at two large children's hospitals, a priori lab-based definitions of high disease burden, infection risk, renal dysfunction, and coagulopathy were applied to electronic health record data. Black patients with acute myeloid leukemia had increased prevalence of elevated white blood cell count and uric acid; Black patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia demonstrated increased prevalence of coagulopathy. Black patients' presentation more frequently included multiple lab abnormalities consistent with advanced physiologic dysfunction. No differences were found in days to therapy initiation.

Keywords

Child, Humans, Racial Groups, Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute, Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma, Hospitals, Pediatric, Healthcare Disparities, diagnosis, disparities, pediatric leukemia, race

Published Open-Access

yes

Recommended Citation

Winestone, Lena E; Getz, Kelly D; Li, Yimei; et al., "Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Acuity of Presentation Among Children With Newly Diagnosed Acute Leukemia" (2024). Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy Staff Publications. 180.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/med_ethics/180