Latin American Collaborative Research on Aplastic Anemia (LARAA): Creating a regional registry

Abstract

Summary Latin America has great potential for good-quality research in hematology, but multiple barriers have made this goal difficult to achieve until now. One of the barriers is the lack of reliable regional information on disease epidemiology, patient characteristics, access to treatment, and results, all of which are necessary to design relevant trials and resolve local problems. National hematology associations are key to bringing together researchers and optimizing efforts to achieve success in all of their projects. Once the willingness to work together was manifested by multiple Latin American hematology associations, creating a registry on hematologic diseases became the main objective. AA was selected as the first disease to focus on. LARAA reflects determination to work together for a common goal. The initial results show that all of the countries involved have many similarities and also many differences. Our goal is to make an initial assessment of where we stand, and to propose solutions to the problems of access to diagnosis and appropriate treatment for patients with AA in the region.

Acknowledgment The authors thank Michelle Lara, International Programs Manager, Executive Office, American Society of Hematology.