Descriptive Epidemiology of Haemophilia in Martinique

Objective: Haemophilia is a congenital bleeding disorder characterized by partial or complete deficiency of a clotting factor VIII (FVIII) for Haemophilia A (HA), or factor IX (FIX) for Haemophilia B (HB). In this study, we describe the epidemiology of haemophilia in patients from Martinique, a French Caribbean Island with a population of predominantly Afro-Caribbean origin. This epidemiological study has never been described before, and the associated specific mutations for the corresponding genes were unknown. Methods: We conducted a descriptive study based on the experience of the Martinique Cancer Registry and collected laboratory data with patients’ consent. Results: Results showed that about 130 haemophilia patients had been diagnosed in Martinique. Haemophilia A and B were represented, with a higher number of patients with HA. In 2017, three HA patients had inhibitors: this represents a costly complication of treatment for this disease. Also, specific mutations have been found: until now, they were not referenced in any international data base. Conclusion: The Martinique regional centre for haemophilia treatment played a crucial role in global care for patients with clotting factor deficiencies. From the experience of Martinique, it would be useful to develop a collaborative study on the diagnosis and the treatment of haemophilia in the Caribbean area and French Guyana.