March 14, 2026Open Access

LMIC-02. Epidemiology and Survival Outcomes of Pediatric Low-Grade Gliomas in Kenya

Key Points

This study evaluates the epidemiology and survival outcomes of pediatric low-grade gliomas in Kenya.
Retrospective cohort study design
Included 62 pediatric patients diagnosed with low-grade gliomas
Data extracted from medical records, imaging studies, and histopathology reports
Conducted descriptive and survival analyses
Cohort consisted of 54.8% males with a mean age of 8.03 years
Mortality rate was 43.5%, with 27 patients deceased by study end
Pilocytic astrocytoma was the most common tumor subtype, identified in 45 cases
66.5% of survivors were fully functional after treatment

Abstract

Abstract Background Low-grade gliomas (LGGs) are the most common pediatric brain tumors, but data on their epidemiology and outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the demographic, clinical, and survival outcomes of pediatric LGG patients managed at Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya, between 2018 and 2023. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 62 pediatric patients diagnosed with LGG. Data were extracted from medical records, imaging studies, and histopathology reports. Descriptive and survival analyses were conducted. Results The cohort consisted of 34 males (54.8%), with a mean age of 8.03 years (SD 4.7). Most patients (88.7%) had no family history of central nervous system tumors. Common presenting symptoms included headaches (45 cases, average duration 159.8 days), vomiting (29 cases, 77.4 days), and limb weakness (25 cases, 130 days). Imaging diagnosis was primarily performed using CT (45 cases), with MRI utilized in 25 cases. Histological analysis identified pilocytic astrocytoma as the most common subtype (45 cases), followed by diffuse astrocytoma (12 cases). Surgical outcomes were generally favorable, with only one immediate post-surgical mortality. However, 36 cases required additional surgeries. Adjuvant therapies included chemotherapy (7 cases) and radiotherapy (3 cases). At the end of the study, 27 patients were deceased, yielding a mortality rate of 43.5%. Among survivors, 65.5% were fully functional. Conclusion This study highlights the clinical burden and management outcomes of pediatric LGGs in Kenya. The long symptom duration prior to diagnosis underscores the need for earlier recognition and improved diagnostic access. Surgical intervention remains the cornerstone of treatment, with good functional outcomes in survivors. However, the significant mortality rate calls for enhanced multidisciplinary care, including broader access to adjuvant therapies and long-term follow-up strategies.

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