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These AML Patients Are More Likely to Require ICU Care
Am J Hematol; ePub 2016 Dec 7; Winestone, et al
Black children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have a higher risk of induction mortality and are more likely to require ICU care, according to a retrospective cohort studying involving more than 1,100 individuals.
Investigators compared induction mortality, acuity of illness prior to chemotherapy, and insurance type between black and white children with AML treated with 2 courses of chemotherapy. Among the results:
- Mortality odds in blacks during the first induction were nearly 3 times higher than in whites.
- 17% of blacks required ICU care, vs 11% of whites.
- The indirect effect of race through acuity accounted for 61% of the relative excess mortality during the first induction.
- Publicly insured patients experienced greater induction mortality than privately insured patients regardless of race.
Citation:
Winestone L, Getz K, Miller T, et al. The role of acuity of illness at presentation in early mortality in black children with acute myeloid leukemia. [Published online ahead of print December 7, 2016]. Am J Hematol. doi:10.1002/ajh.24605.