Myeloblastic syndromes in the Maltese Islands: a 5 year study

Abstract

Reported raising prevalence and incidence of MDS, reliable epidemiological data on these disorders are largely lacking. Cases of MDS diagnosed and reported in the Haematology Department of St. Luke's Hospital allowed us to assess incidence and age-relation over a 5 year period (1990 -1994) in the Maltese population. Among a total of 1919 different patients registered during 1990- 1994, 37 cases of MDS (1.9%) were identified. Over the study period the percentage of newly diagnosed cases rose from 0.9% to 3.5%. Only 3 patients were younger than 60 (8%) whereas 34 cases (92%) occurred after the age of 60. We found a strong correlation between the proportion of elderly patients and relative frequency of MDS diagnosis. However, our crude annual incidence (all age groups 2.4 / 100,000) compared with data reported by Gattermans (1992), Oscier and others is significantly lower. We conclude that MDS incidence continues to raise into very old age and number of newly diagnosed cases rose significantly, which may reflect increased awareness on the part of physician and extended use of diagnostic procedures in elderly patients.