Presentation and Experience with the Management of Burkitt's Lymphoma Patients in Zaria

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Abstract
Seventy-eight children with Burkitt''s lymphoma admitted to Ahmadu Bello University Hospital, Zaria between January 1976 and June 1979 were studied. It is noted that the tumour is widespread throughout the northern savannah region of Nigeria. Abdominal tumour presentation appears to be more common above the age of 6 years in both sexes. Females aged 10 years and above predominate. Mortality was high in patients with massive tumours, especially in those treated with cytotoxic drugs only without prior surgery. Ten of the patients who died had serum potassium levels of 5 mmol/l and above; five had in addition to high serum potassium, inorganic phosphate levels above 2 mmol/l, and calcium levels below 2 mmol/l. Six patients developed bloody diarrhea about the fourth day of chemotherapy. The effects of high levels of potassium, inorganic phosphate and low calcium are discussed.

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