The acute leukaemias in adults in Benin City, Nigeria.

Forty-three adult cases of acute leukaemia (AL) seen at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria in the 13-year period 1975-1987 have been analysed with respect to the presenting features, management and outcome. The percentage incidence of AML and ALL were 51.2 and 23.3 respectively. There is a preponderance of male patient (male:female ratio was 2.1:1, 2.3:1, 1.3:1, and 3:1 respectively for AML, ALL, BC and ALSCL). Most cases of AL occurred in the 21-30-year age bracket. Pallor (77.3%) is the commonest presenting feature in AML whereas night sweats and lymphadenopathy occurred in most cases of ALL (80%). The main causes of death are haemorrhage and infection. Treatment is generally inadequate and so the results of treatment are poor.