Haematologica (May 2008)

Clinical and demographic characteristics of Epstein-Barr virus-associated childhood Burkitt’s lymphoma in Southeastern Brazil: epidemiological insights from an intermediate risk region

  • Rocio Hassan,
  • Claudete Esteves Klumb,
  • Fabricio E. Felisbino,
  • Deisy M. Guiretti,
  • Lídia R. White,
  • Claudio Gustavo Stefanoff,
  • Mario Henrique M. Barros,
  • Héctor N. Seuánez,
  • Ilana R. Zalcberg

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3324/haematol.12424
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 93, no. 5

Abstract

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We studied a group of 54 children with Burkitt’s lymphoma from Southeastern Brazil, where epidemiological status of Burkitt’s lymphoma is poorly understood. Epstein-Barr virus association showed an intermediate frequency (~60%) between endemic and sporadic subtypes. Median age was five years. Epstein-Barr virus infection was significantly associated to low age (Epstein-Barr virus+ four years vs. Epstein-Barr virus− eight years). Sex ratio (M:F) was 2:1, with a significantly higher number of males in old age classes. Young age at diagnosis and excess of males at older ages, as well as a causal relationship between low age, epstein-barr virus and Burkitt’s lymphoma risk, may characterize Burkitt’s lymphoma in Brazil.