Epidemiological estimates of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria in Bulgaria

Abstract

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is a rare clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorder with debilitating health consequences if untreated. Although cases have been described globally, precise epidemiological distribution is difficult to assess due to geographical underrepresentation in disease reporting. Evaluation of the burden of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria in Bulgaria is currently missing. To provide epidemiological estimates, a systematic literature search for publications in the Bulgarian language or by Bulgarian authors was performed for a ten-year period (2013-2022), and clinically relevant information on case presentation was collected. Additionally, data was retrieved from the National Health Insurance Fund and National Statistical Institute on the count of registered cases with ICD-10 code "D59.5" and census for the same period. The estimated prevalence of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is relatively lower in the Bulgarian population than in other countries, and it is estimated to be 2.77 cases per 1,000,000 patient years. The treatment pattern mainly shows conventional blood product support use and is consistent with the pre-complement inhibition era. Underdiagnosis, lack of a reliable disease reporting system, and, until recently, restricted access to complement inhibitor therapy are significant impediments to the management of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria in Bulgaria.

Keywords: anemia; complement inactivating agents; health resources; intravascular hemolysis.