Analysis in causes and risk factors of death in 53 children with acute leukemia

  Objective  To explore the causes and risk factors of death in children with acute leukemia (AL) in hospital.

  Methods  Totally 53 dead children due to AL were divided into early death group (n=23) and non-early death group (n=30). The mortality, causes of death and risk factors of death were analyzed in both groups.

  Results  Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and infection were the main causes of death in the early death group, while infection and bleeding were the main causes of death in the non-early death group. Bacterial septicemia was the main cause of death in both groups, and Gram-negative bacteria infection was the main cause. Age less than 1 year old, high white blood cell count and high serum lactate dehydrogenase level were the high risk factors of death in children with AL (P < 0.05).

  Conclusion  For the high risk factors of death such as less than 1 year old, high white blood cell count and high serum lactate dehydrogenase level in children with AL, early implementation of active prevention and treatment measures may reduce the mortality of children.