Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) in african-americans (AA), compared to caucasians (Cauc): A retrospective analysis

17558 Background: CLL is more prevalent in Cauc males, however few data exist comparing different populations. The Washington DC VA patient population is estimated to be 75% AA providing an opportunity to do such a comparison. Methods: Data were collected and reviewed between 1980 and 2007 from patients with the diagnosis of CLL or SLL based on ICD-9 coding. 84 patients were evaluable. Data were analyzed using Student's T-Test and χ2 test. Results: There were 32 AA patients (38%) and 52 Cauc (62%). Mean age at diagnosis was similar: 64.3 years for AA and 66.4 years for Caucasians, p=0.42. Mean absolute lymphocyte counts (ALC) at diagnosis were similar: AA, 19.81 K/cmm and for Cauc 16.03 K/cmm, p=0.43. Staging at diagnosis was evaluated by the Rai and Binet classifications and noted below in the table. Distribution of Rai staging had a p value of 0.052. The p value for Binet staging distribution was 0.018. Hypogammaglobulinemia was less common in the AA than in the Cauc 8/28 (28.6%) versus 28/41 (68.3%) (p...