[Increase in genetically determined anemia as a result of migration in Germany].

BACKGROUND

Due to the increasing numbers of migrants and asylum seekers, hemoglobinopathies and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency are no longer rare diseases in Germany. As a result of the current migration movements these genetically determined diseases will gain in importance.

METHODS

Following a literature search the prevalence of the original endemic regions was compiled and compared to the population composition based on statistical data on migrants, foreign residents and asylum seekers in Germany.

RESULTS

In the endemic regions a prevalence of 40 % and sometimes higher have been found for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency and hemoglobinopathies. The number of people arriving in Germany from these endemic regions is rapidly increasing.

CONCLUSION

Due to the high number of asylum seekers arriving from Asian and African regions, genetic erythrocyte defects will gain importance in the differential diagnosis of anemia; therefore, medical education and training must incorporate heightened awareness of risks, diagnostics and therapy of these disease patterns.