Epidemiological Profile of Hemophilia in Baghdad-Iraq

Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder that mainly affects males. Globally, there are about 400 000 people with hemophilia and only 25% of them receive adequate treatment. There is insufficient epidemiological data on hemophilia in Iraq; so, this study was conducted to determine the trend of the prevalence and incidence and to identify certain clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with hemophilia in Baghdad, Iraq, 2016. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the 4 hemophilia centers in Baghdad. The data were compiled by reviewing all hemophilia patients’ records and the centers’ registry books between 2007 and 2016. Corresponding population data of Baghdad were obtained from the Ministry of Health. The total number of currently registered patients who are residents of Baghdad was 654. The prevalence of hemophilia increased from 7.2/100 000 males in 2007 to 15.9/100 000 males in 2016. Similarly, the incidence of hemophilia had increased from 8.4/100 000 livebirths in 2007 to 16.3/100 000 livebirths in 2016. Severe hemophilia represented 63.4% of all types. The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and HIV infections were 22.9%, 0.9%, and 0.2%, respectively. Clotting factor inhibitors were positive in 11.6% and target joints were found among 45.1% of patients. About 27% were on prophylactic therapy. Only one death was recorded in 2016. The prevalence and incidence of hemophilia in Baghdad was doubled in 10-year period. The prevalence of different complications was almost close to the rates in the neighboring countries.