[Management of beta-thalassemias in a developing country. Experience of a pediatric service in Oran (Algeria)].
The management of beta-thalassemia in a developing country faces a host of organizational, logistic, and funding problems. Experience acquired against this background of multiple deficiencies is reported here. Only 60% of children with documented beta-thalassemia were monitored more or less regularly. The remaining 40% died or were lost to follow-up. Clinical results were acceptable in terms of growth but transfusion goals (pretransfusion Hb greater than or equal to 10 g/dl) were achieved in only 7% of cases and adverse effects to transfusions proved difficult to prevent. Lastly, funding remained grossly inadequate since only 5.4% of actual costs in drugs and small equipment were covered. This lack of funds has a major impact on decision-making concerning the care of this type of patient.
Bouhass
R A
RA
Service de Pédiatrie A, Centre Emir Abdelkader, Oran, Algérie.
Kabouya
E A
EA
Smahi
C
C
Benaceur
S M
SM
Aguercif
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000462:Algeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D001803:Blood Transfusion / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards; D002648:Child; D002985:Clinical Protocols / Q000592:standards*; D003906:Developing Countries; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D013789:Thalassemia / Q000191:economics / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D065227:Transfusion Reaction; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006454:Hemoglobins
Prise en charge des bêta-thalassémies dans un pays en voie de développement. Expérience d'un service de pédiatrie d'Oran (Algérie).