Haematological Malignancies in Bahrain

ABSTRACT

To provide an estimate of the prevalence and shift of different types of haematological malignancies over 10 years time period from 1986 to 1995. Relevant laboratory based data of all cases of haematological malignancies in Bahrainis diagnosed between January 1986 to December 1995. Results expressed as age specific and age adjusted incidence rates per 100,000 population per year during the periods 1986 to 1990 and 1991 to 1995. Observed prevalence of haematological malignancies increased from 3.3 in 1986 to 9.8 in 1995 per 100,000 population. In children the peak incidence was 8.7/100,000 population in less than 5 years of age. In adults the peak incidence was 40/100,000 in the 65-75 years age group. The lowest incidence of 1.8/100,000 was in the 20-30 years age group. An abrupt increase in prevalence of acute lymphatic leukaemias was observed in 1991 [post Gulf War]. A three times increase in prevalence rate at the end of 10 year [1986-1995] is alarming. This may be due to an increase in detection rate, though the effect of other factors such as the Gulf war cannot be completely ignored. However this study will now provide base data to observe shift in occurrence over time