MDS-278: Epidemiology of MDS in Kosovo During 2014–2019

Context: Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of clonal hematopoietic disorders with significant morbidity and high mortality. Population-based data on patients with MDS in Kosovo are scarce. Before and during the transition phase in our country, no statistics have been released on the epidemiological situation on MDS of which we can make any comparisons. This study is important in developing an epidemiologic strategy and improving the knowledge of MDS in Kosovo. Objective: To evaluate the incidence, age, sex, MDS subtype, and treatment in Kosovo during the period of 2014–2019. Design: Cross-sectional retrospective epidemiological study. Setting: The data were collected from the chemotherapy treatment protocol books in the Hematology Clinic. Patients or other participants: We retrospectively analyzed the cohort of 37 patients diagnosed with MDS in the Hematology Clinic - UCCK. Interventions: None. Main outcome measures: No main outcomes because it is an epidemiological study. Results: During the period of 2014–2019, 37 patients were diagnosed with MDS, of whom 24 were men and 13 were women. Male to female ratio was 1.85:1. Median age at diagnosis was 65 years. During 2014, 7 cases were identified or 18.92% of the total cases with an incidence rate 0.39/100000. In 2015, 3 cases were identified or 8.11% with an incidence 0.17/100000; in 2016, 4 cases were identified or 10.81% with an incidence 0.22/100000; in 2017, 8 cases or 21.62% with an incidence 0.44/100000; in 2018, 8 cases or 21.62%, with an incidence 0.44/100000 and in 2019, 7 cases or 18.92% with an incidence 0.39/100000 were identified. Based on 2016 WHO classification, the main subtypes were MDS-EB-2 with 12 (33%) cases, followed by MDS-SLD with 9 (24%) cases, MDS-EB-1 with 6 (16%), MDS-MLD with 5 (14%), MDS-RS with 3 (8%), and MDS-U with 2 (5%). For the majority of patients, the main treatment was erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in 62% of patients, followed by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in 22% of patients, and drug therapy including Azacitidine in 33%. Twelve (33%) MDS patients progressed to AML. Conclusions: Our study reveals that incidence of MDS in Kosovo is lower than in Western countries. Chi-Square test shows that there is no significant statistical difference (p