Orphan diseases and associated problems

Abstract

Objective: to study the main aspects of assistance to children with orphan diseases in the Russian Federation. Materials and methods: the most relevant literature sources were studied that covered a concept of orphan diseases in various countries of the world and in the Russian Federation as well as the tactics and regulation of mechanisms for helping patients with rare diseases. Results: the study showed that not all countries have legislative regulations of assistance to orphan patients. The United States and Western Europe are the most advanced in this regard. They have clear criteria for determining orphan pathology and a number of measures are taken to improve the quality of medical care for patients with rare diseases. These activities are not only aimed at improving the health care system but also encourage pharmaceutical companies to develop and produce medicines as well as contribute to the research in this area. The clinical cases covered in the article provide an idea of rare diseases, the complexity of their diagnosis, the severity of the course, and the drugs that are necessary to help patients. Conclusion: orphan diseases have been the focus of attention by the health system and national legislation in the past decades. Their extremely low prevalence in the human population creates difficulties with the timely diagnosis, provision of qualified medical care, and drug provision.