Introduction: The Complexity and Challenge of Preventing, Treating, and Managing Blood Diseases in the Developing Countries

Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2016 Apr;30(2):233-46. doi: 10.1016/j.hoc.2015.11.001.

Abstract

Managing hematologic disorders in developing countries poses problems not encountered in Western societies. The clinical features of hematologic conditions may be modified by malnutrition, chronic bacterial infection, or parasitic illness. Iron deficiency is the major factor in anemia worldwide. Anemia is more common in the wet season when malaria transmission peaks. After anemia, eosinophilia is the next most common hematologic abnormality in children in the tropics. Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus can cause hematologic abnormalities. The pattern of distribution of primary disorders of the blood varies among populations and some disorders are unique to certain parts of the world.

Keywords: Anemia; Dengue; Eosinophilia; HIV; Hematology; Sub-Saharan Africa.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Anemia / epidemiology
  • Anemia / etiology
  • Comorbidity
  • Developing Countries
  • Disease Management
  • Eosinophilia / epidemiology
  • Eosinophilia / etiology
  • HIV Infections
  • Hematologic Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Hematologic Diseases / epidemiology
  • Hematologic Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Hematologic Diseases / therapy*
  • Hemostatic Disorders / epidemiology
  • Hemostatic Disorders / etiology
  • Humans
  • Malabsorption Syndromes / epidemiology
  • Malabsorption Syndromes / etiology
  • Prevalence