RESUMO
This work aims at studying inhibitors to factor VIII:C, factor IX: C in Jordanian patients with Hemophilia A and B and the prevalence of hepatitis B, C, HIV viruses in these patients. A total of99 male patients were included in the study. Of these, 83 [83.8%] are hemophilia A and 16 [16.2%] are hemophilia B. All were investigated for inhibitor development by Bethesda assay. Inhibitors for factor VIII:C were additionally test by an ELISA technique. Each Patient's serum was tested by ELISA for the presence of antibodies against hepatitis A, B, and C viruses as well as against HIV I and II. Those found positive for hepatitis C antibodies were tested by PCR for hepatitis C viral RNA. None of the hemophilia B patients were found to have inhibitors. Eight patients [9.6%] of hemophilia A were found to have inhibitors. The prevalence of antibodies for hepatitis C was 25.25%, for hepatitis B 0% and for HIV 1%. Of those who were HCV antibody positive, 13 [52%] were positive for HCV-RNA by PCR. It is concluded that inhibitor development in Jordanian hemophilia A patients is similar to that described in western countries. Regular monitoring of these inhibitors should be an essential part of the routine care and follow-up of hemophilia A patients. The high prevalence of HCV indicates the need for more rigorous hepatitis C screening in local blood to render it safer than it is