An estimation of the incidence and demographic picture of the major hemoglobinopathies in Belgium (from a confidential inquiry)

An estimation of the incidence and demographic Picture of the major hemoglobinopathies in Belgium has been approached through a coofidential inquiry sent to 228 pediatric and adult hematological departments. Forty-two Percent of responses showed that 417 patients are known in Belgium: 83 % with sickle cell disease, 13 % with beta-thalassemia (beta-thal) major, 2 % with beta-thal intermedia, and 1 % with Hb H disease. Twenty-five percent of the sickle cell disease patients and 54 % of those suffering from a beta-thal major were older than 20 years. Three hospitals ensure the follow-up of 70 % of the patients and are situated in Brussels, Belgium, a follow-up of less than 20 patients was reported at 21 centers. These results confirm that sickle cell disease is the major hemoglobinopathy in Belgium; it concerns mostly pediatricians but adult hematologists are also confronted with these pathologies. Therefore, it is necessary to implement integrated Programs of prevention and treatment.