Mallorca: 2,957 across Balearics have rare diseases

Mallorca, in Spain’s Balearic Islands, hosts a meeting with a stark figure: 2,957 people across the islands have a rare disease. The figure comes from the Balearic rare disease register, which covers 2010 to 2023. It is presented on Thursday, 12 November, at Son Espases University Hospital in Palma, Mallorca.

The Balearic health department says a rare disease affects fewer than five in every 10,000 people. Diagnosis can be difficult, and patients may need highly specialised care.

ALS accounts for 306 deaths

Myasthenia gravis has the most cases in the register, at 714. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, follows with 356 cases. Between 2010 and 2023, the register records 306 deaths linked to ALS. It has the highest death rate among the diseases examined, at more than 70%.

Across all the rare diseases in the register, 901 deaths are recorded. Other diagnoses include primary biliary cholangitis, with 230 cases, and congenital hypothyroidism, with 219.

Newborn checks now cover 40 conditions

A year ago, the Balearic Islands expanded newborn screening from seven to 40 endocrine and metabolic conditions. Around 8,000 newborn babies on the islands receive a heel-prick blood test each year.

The aim is to spot these conditions early. The health department says timely treatment can prevent serious complications and improve affected children’s quality of life.

Topics: Health

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com