Risk Factors and Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study (2015–2025)
Supervisor Name
Adham Abu Taha
Supervisor Email
aabutaha@najah.edu
University
An-Najah National University
Research field
Medical Sciences
Bio
Professor Adham S. Abu Taha, PhD Professor of Biomedical Sciences Dr. Adham S. Abu Taha is a Full Professor of Biomedical Sciences with extensive expertise in pharmacology, clinical laboratory sciences, and antimicrobial resistance. He has a distinguished academic and research career, with numerous publications in reputable international journals. In addition to his teaching and research roles, Professor Abu Taha serves as Director of the Medical Laboratory Department at An-Najah National University Hospital in Nablus, Palestine. He oversees both Central Laboratory Services (including Hematology, Chemistry, Microbiology, and Blood Bank) and Specialized Diagnostic Pathology (covering Anatomic Pathophysiology, Flow Cytometry, and Molecular Diagnostics). His leadership and commitment to advancing biomedical education and clinical practice have made him a respected figure in the medical and scientific community, both locally and regionally.
Description
Background: The most prevalent cancer in children is acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and because to advancements in treatment, survival rates are close to 90%. However, treatment-related side effects continue to be a major cause of morbidity. The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which varies from 1% to 37% depending on treatment protocols, is one of the most clinically significant side effects of pediatric ALL. Among the events are cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and deep vein thrombosis; the last is linked to significant neurological morbidity. Older age, hereditary disorders, T-cell phenotype, central venous catheterization, and exposure to L-asparaginase and corticosteroids are known risk factors. Regional data from Palestine and nearby Middle Eastern nations is still lacking, despite evidence from around the world. Aim: This study aims to investigate the incidence and risk factors of VTE among pediatric patients with ALL in Palestine. Methods: A retrospective cohort study will be conducted including pediatric ALL patients treated at An-Najah National University Hospital between 2015 and 2025. Demographic, clinical, and treatment-related data will be extracted from medical records. The incidence of VTE will be calculated, and potential risk factors—such as chemotherapy regimens, central venous catheter use, age, ALL subtype, and comorbidities—will be analyzed. The impact of VTE on treatment continuity, complications, and short-term outcomes will also be assessed. Expected Outcomes: It is anticipated that the study will discover important risk variables linked to thrombotic events and offer the first thorough local estimate of VTE incidence in pediatric ALL patients in Palestine. It will also assess the clinical effects of VTE, such as therapy disruptions and morbidity. Conclusion: The creation of population-specific data on VTE in pediatric ALL will assist evidence-based clinical decision-making, optimize preventative measures, and guide risk stratification, all of which will enhance patient safety and treatment results in pediatric oncology settings in Palestine.
