Prophylaxis in hemophilia

Hemophilia is an inherited X-linked coagulopathy defined by a deficiency or abnormality in the clotting function of factor VIII (Hemophilia A) or factor IX (Hemophilia B). Prophylaxis ­ the regular administration of therapeutic products to maintain hemostasis and prevent bleeding ­ is the mainstream of treatment. Addressing the development and scientific evidence for administrating prophylaxis is the goal of this review. Prophylaxis is the therapeutic modality of choice for people with severe hemophilia, being considered, in principle, a lifelong treatment. It should have an early onset, ideally as a primary, or at least secondary. Even lifelong tertiary prophylaxis seems to offer benefit, although further studies are still lacking. Individualized strategies should lead to an optimization of the dilemma between better joint outcomes versus involved costs.

Avaliação do perfil clínico-terapêutico e da resposta à profilaxia dos portadores de hemofilia A e B em um centro de referência no Ceará / Evaluation of the clinical-therapeutic profile and the response to prophylaxis of patients with hemophilia A and B in a reference center in Ceará

Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil clínico-terapêutico e a resposta à profilaxia em pacientes hemofílicos A e B em um centro de referência no Ceará. Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo, com dados de 133 hemofílicos A e B, em profilaxia entre 2016 e 2021, por meio de prontuários médicos e sistema Web Coagulopatias. Resultados: Os pacientes todos do sexo masculino em sua maioria foram hemofílicos A (93,2%), na forma grave, residentes em Fortaleza, com maior prevalência do município de Guaiúba. A maioria fazia uso de Fator VIII recombinante e em profilaxia secundária, em relação ao comprometimento articular a maioria não apresentou relato de hemartroses (66,9%), articulação-alvo (87,9%) ou artropatia (54,9%), porém os hemofílicos em profilaxia terciária apresentaram um maior comprometimento articular em relação a profilaxia primária e secundária. Verificou-se uma correlação negativa entre o tempo de profilaxia e a dose de fator utilizada, demonstrando que quanto maior o tempo de profilaxia menor a dose do fator utilizada. Um total de 13 hemofílicos A grave desenvolveram inibidor de fator VIII realizando imunotolerância (ITI) com sucesso total em 84,6%. Por meio da curva ROC, foi verificado uma associação entre a necessidade de ITI e a dose de fator de coagulação, com acurácia de 67,7% de que o uso de doses maiores de fator predispõe ao desenvolvimento de inibidores. Conclusão: Os dados do estudo permitem inferir que quanto mais precoce o tratamento de profilaxia menor é comprometimento articular, dose do fator utilizada e menor predisposição de desenvolver inibidores dos fatores da coagulação.

Objective: to evaluate the clinical-therapeutic profile and response to prophylaxis in hemophiliac A and B patients at a referral center in Ceará. Methods: Retrospective cohort study, with data from 133 hemophiliacs A and B, undergoing prophylaxis between 2016 and 2021, using medical records and the Web Coagulopathies system. Results: Most of the patients were male patients with severe hemophilia A (93.2%), residing in Fortaleza, with a higher prevalence in the city of Guaiúba. Most made use of recombinant Factor VIII and in secondary prophylaxis, in relation to joint involvement, the majority did not report hemarthroses (66.9%), target joint (87.9%) or arthropathy (54.9%). however, hemophiliacs on tertiary prophylaxis showed greater joint impairment in relation to primary and secondary prophylaxis. There was a negative correlation between the prophylaxis time and the factor dose used, demonstrating that the longer the prophylaxis time, the lower the factor dose used. A total of 13 severe A hemophiliacs developed factor VIII inhibitor performing immunotolerance (ITI) with total success in 84.6%. Using the ROC curve, an association was verified between the need for ITI and the dose of coagulation factor, with an accuracy of 67.7% that the use of higher doses of factor predisposes to the development of inhibitors. Conclusion: The study data allow us to infer that the earlier the prophylaxis treatment, the less joint impairment, the dose of the factor used and the less predisposition to develop coagulation factor inhibitors.

Primera experiencia de tratamiento con emicizumab en un paciente con hemofilia A severa e inhibidor de alto título en Uruguay / First report of emicizumab use in a patient with severe haemophilia A and high-titer inhibitor in Uruguay / Primeira experiência de tratamento com emicizumab em paciente com hemofilia A grave e inibidor de alto título no Uruguai

La hemofilia A es una coagulopatía congénita causada por la deficiencia o el mal funcionamiento del factor VIII de la coagulación. Una de las complicaciones más graves del tratamiento de la hemofilia A es el desarrollo de inhibidores que hacen que la terapia de reemplazo con FVIII sea ineficaz, dificultando la prevención y el control de los sangrados. El emicizumab es un anticuerpo monoclonal humanizado biespecífico dirigido contra los factores FIXa y FX, que imita la función de cofactor del FVIII. El tratamiento profiláctico con emicizumab es seguro y eficaz para prevenir hemorragias en los pacientes con hemofilia A con y sin inhibidores. Se presenta el caso del primer paciente tratado con emicizumab en Uruguay.

Haemophilia A is a congenital coagulopathy caused by a deficiency or malfunction of coagulation factor VIII. One of the most serious complications of haemophilia A treatment is the development of inhibitors that render FVIII replacement therapy ineffective, making it difficult to prevent and control bleeding. Emicizumab is a humanized bispecific monoclonal antibody directed against factors FIXa and FX, which mimics the cofactor function of FVIII. Emicizumab has been shown to be safe and effective as prophylaxis to prevent bleeding in haemophilia A patients with or without inhibitors to FVIII. We report the first patient treated with emicizumab in Uruguay.

A hemofilia A é uma coagulopatia congênita que se caracteriza pela ausência ou mau funcionamento do factor VIII da coagulação. Uma das complicações mais sérias do tratamento da hemofilia A é o desenvolvimento de inibidores que tornam a terapia de reposição do FVIII ineficaz, dificultando a prevenção e o controle do sangramento. O emicizumab é um anticorpo monoclonal biespecífico humanizado dirigido contra os fatores FIXa e FX, que imita a função de cofator do FVIII. O tratamento profilático com emicizumab é seguro e eficaz na prevenção de sangramento em pacientes com hemofilia A com e sem inibidores. É apresentado o caso do primeiro paciente tratado com emicizumabe no Uruguai.

Calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en niños hemofílicos: construcción y validación de un cuestionario / Health-related quality of life in hemophilic children: construction and validation of a questionnaire

Introducción: La hemofilia es una enfermedad hemorrágica crónica y hereditaria que influye desfavorablemente en el desarrollo biopsicosocial. El estudio periódico de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud es un indicador útil en los pacientes pediátricos que padecen este trastorno. Objetivo: Desarrollar y validar un cuestionario específico breve para el monitoreo de la calidad de vida en niños hemofílicos. Métodos: Se trabajó en tres fases: creación de preguntas, estudio piloto y estudio de campo. La versión preliminar estuvo formada por 24 preguntas tipo Likert adecuadas para niños y para padres. De un primer análisis se obtuvo una segunda versión con 22 preguntas la cual se aplicó a 38 pacientes, con una edad promedio de 11,7 años. Resultados: Se determinó la confiabilidad por la consistencia interna de cada modelo, según el índice alfa de Cronbach, en niños (área física= 0,81, área emocional= 0,59, área psicosocial= 0,71) y en padres (área física= 0,88, área emocional= 0,87 y área psicosocial= 0,90). Se obtuvo un fuerte criterio de validez convergente con el cuestionario genérico Inventario de calidad de vida pediátrica (PedsQL) en todas las subescalas, tanto de los niños como de los padres (p< 0,05), también entre los resultados de niños y padres (p< 0,05). Se alcanzó validez discriminante en los padres para la variable gravedad de la enfermedad y para ambos en cuanto a las limitaciones ortopédicas (p< 0,05). Conclusiones: El cuestionario mostró cualidades psicométricas satisfactorias y diferenció acertadamente las afectaciones físicas, emocionales y de ajuste social. La versión obtenida se considera como la definitiva(AU)

Introduction: Hemophilia is a chronic and hereditary hemorrhagic disease that adversely influences biopsychosocial development. Periodic study of health-related quality of life is a useful indicator in pediatric patients suffering from this disorder. Objective: To develop and validate a short specific questionnaire for monitoring the quality of life in hemophiliac children. Methods: We worked in three stages: creation of questions, pilot study and field study. The preliminary version consisted of 24 Likert questions suitable for children and parents. From a first analysis, a second version with 22 questions was obtained, which was applied to 38 patients, with an average age of 11.7 years. Results: Reliability was determined by the internal consistency of each model, according to Cronbach's alpha index, in children (physical area: 0.81; emotional area: 0.59; and psychosocial area: 0.71) and in parents (area physical: 0.88; emotional area: 0.87; and psychosocial area: 0.90). A strong convergent validity criterion was obtained with the generic Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) questionnaire in all subscales, for both children and parents (p<0.05); also between the results of children and parents (p<0.05). Discriminant validity was achieved in parents, according to the variable severity of the disease; and for both in terms of orthopedic limitations (p<0.05). Conclusions: The questionnaire showed satisfactory psychometric qualities and correctly differentiated physical, emotional and social adjustment affections. The version obtained is considered the ultimate one(AU)

Hematoma subcapsular hepático y hemofilia neonatal / Hepatic subcapsular hematoma and neonatal hemophilia

INTRODUCCIÓN: el hematoma subcapsular hepático sangrante se presenta cada vez menos en el recién nacido, debido al mejoramiento de la atención prenatal y al seguimiento esmerado del trabajo de parto. La hemofilia es una enfermedad hemorrágica hereditaria ligada al cromosoma X, en la cual se produce una alteración en los genes que codifican para los factores de la coagulación, factor VIII (hemofilia A) o del factor IX (hemofilia B), que trae como consecuencia una proteína alterada cuantitativa, cualitativa o ambas. Se manifiesta raramente en la etapa neonatal, y cuando ocurre, se presenta como formas clínicas graves. El diagnóstico de la hemofilia se realiza por antecedentes familiares y manifestaciones clínicas, confirmándose con la dosificación de factores, situación clave que ofrece una ventana de oportunidad para que el médico de primer nivel de atención establezca un diagnóstico oportuno y eficiente. PRESENTACIÓN DEL CASO: se presenta cuadro clínico y ultrasonográfico, de neonato con 6 días de vida, al que se le consulta por palidez extrema y síndrome peritoneal, con antecedentes familiares de hemofilia sin diagnóstico prenatal. CONCLUSIONES: el diagnóstico precoz del hematoma subcapsular hepático sangrante, como complicación de la hemofilia, permite iniciar tratamiento médico apropiado para las dos entidades, lo cual genera un impacto positivo en la salud del paciente y la familia, y reduce los riesgos de mortalidad.

INTRODUCTION: bleeding hepatic subcapsular hematome is increasingly less frequent in the newborn as a result of better prenatal care and the careful follow-up of the labor. Hemophilia is an X chromosome-linked hereditary hemorrhagic disease in which there are altered gens that code for the coagulation factors, factor VIII (hemophilia A) or factor IX (hemophilia B), resulting in a quantitative, a qualitative protein or both. It is rarely seen at the neonatal phase and when it appears, it takes the severe clinical forms. The diagnosis of hemophilia is based on the family history and the clinical manifestations and is confirmed with factor dosing; a key situation that offers the opportunity for the primary level physician to set a timely efficient diagnosis. CASE PRESENTATION: clinical and ultrasonographic picture of a six days old neonate with signs of extreme pallor and peritoneal syndrome and family history of hemophilia with no prenatal diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: the early diagnosis of the bleeding hepatic subcapsular hematoma, as a complication of hemophilia, allows starting the adequate medical treatment for the two problems, thus generating a positive impact on the patient´s and the family´s health and reducing the mortality risks.

Hemorragias poco usuales en pacientes con hemofilia / Unusual bleeding in hemophilic patients

La hemofilia es una enfermedad hemorrágica grave con gran heterogeneidad fenotípica. Los sangramientos músculo-articulares constituyen la manifestación clínica más frecuente y significativa por las secuelas crónicas que originan. Sin embargo, existen otros sitios de sangramiento menos reiterados que pueden ser graves e invalidantes, y la posibilidad de reconocerlos tempranamente evita las consecuencias adversas. Se presentan dos pacientes de edad pediátrica que acudieron al servicio de urgencias por eventos hemorrágicos en sitios poco usuales: mediastinal, pulmonar y de rectos anteriores. A todos se les realizó un diagnóstico temprano del proceso patológico basado en un interrogatorio y examen físico detallados, apoyado con estudios imagenológicos (radiografía y ultrasonido) que permitieron manejar estas hemorragias de forma adecuada con terapia sustitutiva oportuna, sin complicaciones ulteriores. De esta forma se evidencia que el diagnóstico precoz es elemento fundamental en el seguimiento de los pacientes con hemofilia para evitar complicaciones de esta enfermedad(AU)

Hemophilia is a serious hemorrhagic disease with marked phenotypic heterogeneity. Muscle and joint bleedings are the most common clinical manifestation and they stand out by the resultant chronic sequelae. However, there are other less frequent types of bleeding disorders that can be severe and disabling and the possibility to recognize them early avoids adverse consequences. We present two pediatric patients who attended the emergency service with bleeding events in unusual places: mediastinal, pulmonary and rectus. These patients were early diagnosed based on a detailed interview and physical examination supported by imaging studies such as radiography and ultrasound which enabled the appropriate handling of these bleedings with opportune replacement therapy and without further complications. It is evident that early diagnosis is the key element in monitoring patients with hemophilia to prevent complications of the disease(AU)

Prevalencia de hemofilia en seis provincias cubanas / Prevalence of hemophilia in six cuban provinces

Introducción:la hemofilia es una enfermedad hemorrágica con una incidencia casi constante para diferentes poblaciones. Desde la década del 80 del pasado siglo, en el Instituto de Hematología e Inmunología se creó un grupo multidisciplinario de especialistas para la atención del paciente con hemofilia. En la actualidad existe un programa nacional de atención integral al hemofílico que permite el monitoreo continuo y el tratamiento adecuado. Objetivo: conocerla prevalencia de la hemofilia en Cuba. Métodos:se incluyeron los datos de 229 pacientes procedentes de 5 provincias cubanas y el municipio especial Isla de la Juventud (según la división política-administrativa previa), que representan el 58,1 por ciento de los pacientes registrados. Los datos incluyeron aspectos demográficos, gravedad de la enfermedad, presencia de inhibidores y de infecciones transmitidas por las transfusiones. Resultados: los pacientes con hemofilia A fueron 188 (82,10 por ciento) y 41 (17,90 por ciento) con hemofilia B. El 56,33 por ciento de los pacientes presentaron la enfermedad en forma severa, 24 por ciento moderada y 19,7 por ciento leve. Los inhibidores se encontraron en el 17,03 por ciento de los casos. La infección por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana estuvo presente solamente e el 0,87 por ciento de los pacientes, y la hepatitis C en el 39,03 por ciento. La edad media al diagnóstico fue de 2.15 años. Conclusiones: la prevalencia general ajustada a la edad fue de 9,63 casos de hemofilia por 100 000 varones y la mayor prevalencia de pacientes se encontró en las edades entre 20 y 59 años

Introduction: hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder; its incidence is almost constant in different populations. Since the 80th decade a multidisciplinary group for the care of patients with hemophilia was created at the Instituto de Hematología e Inmunología. Nowadays a national comprehensive care program allows patients to receive a continuous monitoring and an effective treatment. Objective: to know prevalence of patients with hemophilia in Cuba. Results: data of 229 patients from 5 provinces and the special municipality Isla de la Juventud were included, which covered 58,71 percent of the total patients registered in Cuba. The information included demographic data, severity of hemophilia, presence of inhibitors and infection status for viral diseases. Hemophilia A patients were 188 (82.10 percent) and 41 (17.90 percent) with hemophilia B. The disease was severe in 56.33 percent of patients, moderate in 24 percent, and mild in 19.7percent . Inhibitors were present in 17.03 percent of the patient percents. Human immunodeficiency virus infection was present only in 0.87 percent of patients and hepatitis C virus infection in 39.03 percent. The mean age at diagnosis was 2.15 years. Conclusions: the general age-adjusted prevalence was 9.63 cases of hemophilia per 100 000 male and the main prevalence of patients was found in ages between 20 and 59 years

Avances en el estudio de la hemostasia en el Instituto de Hematología e Inmunología. Resultados en los últimos 10 años / Advances in the study of hemostasis in the Institute of Hematology and Immunology: Results in the past 10 years

En los últimos años se ha producido un extraordinario avance en el conocimiento de los complejos mecanismos del proceso hemostático y de los aspectos genéticos, fisiopatológicos, clínicos, diagnósticos y terapéuticos de las enfermedades hemorrágicas y trombóticas. El Departamento de Hemostasia del Instituto de Hematología e Inmunología ha logrado en este último decenio, resultados satisfactorios en la investigación, la asistencia y la docencia. Se han introducido nuevas técnicas para el diagnóstico de enfermedades hemorrágicas y trombóticas, se han ejecutado diferentes proyectos de investigación sobre diferentes temáticas: hemofilia, púrpura trombocitopénica inmune, valoración de aspectos psicosociales, introducción de nuevas terapéutica, entre otras. Se ha impartido docencia en cursos nacionales e internacionales, se ha contribuido a la formación de especialistas en hematología y de otras especialidades, así como de técnicos de laboratorio clínico. Nuestro grupo de trabajo ha brindado asistencia médica continuada a pacientes con tendencia hemorrágica y trombótica y ha participado activamente en la presentación y publicación de trabajos científicos en eventos y revistas nacionales y extranjeras. El desarrollo del Programa de Atención Integral al Hemofílico ha constituido uno de los aspectos relevantes de la actividad del departamento en esta etapa

In past years has been an extraordinary advance in the knowledge of the complex mechanisms of hemostatic process and of the genetic, pathophysiological, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic features of hemorrhagic and thrombotic diseases. The Department of Hemostasis of the Institute of Hematology and Immunology has achieved in this past ten years satisfactory results in the research, assistance and teaching. New techniques have been introduced for the diagnosis of hemorrhagic and thrombotic diseases applying different research projects on different subject matters: hemophilia, purpura, immune thrombocytopenia, assessment of psychosocial features, and introduction of new therapies, among others. Teaching has been given in national and international courses, contribution to training of specialists in hematology and of other different specialties, as well as of clinic laboratory technicians. Our working group has supplied continued medical assistance to patients with hemorrhagic and thrombotic trend and has been involved in an active way in the presentation and publication of scientific papers in events and national and foreign journals. The development of the Integral Care Program for hemophilic patients has been one of the relevant features of the activity of the department during this stage

Doenças hemorrágicas no atendimento odontológico em crianças / Hemorrhagic diseases in pediatric dentistry

O atendimento odontológico a pacientes com doenças hemorrágicas confere grande responsabilidade ao profissional, para a identificaçäo do problema e adequada atuaçäo, numa atitude multidisciplinar com os demais membros da equipe de saúde. Este aspecto é bem enfatizado na prática da Odontopediatria, em que o bebê ou criança pode estabelecer um primeiro contato sem o diagnóstico prévio de qualquer distúrbio na hemostasia. Por esta razäo, as autoras efetuaram uma revisäo da literatura sobre as patologias mais frequentes observadas, subordinadas ao tema abordado, com base em levantamento piloto das crianças atendidas no setor de Odontologia da Fundaçäo Hemope

Prophylactic treatment for hemophilia A patients: a pilot study.

Prophylactic treatment with factor VIII concentrate was given to six hemophilia A boys whose factor VIII:C ranged from 1% to 3.5% at Ramathibodi Hospital. The age ranged from 11 to 16 years with the median age of 12 years old. Each patient received factor VIII concentrate twice a week in the dosage of 8-10 unit per kg for one year. During the prophylactic period, bleeding episodes seldom occurred. They did not need hospitalization. The absence from school was reduced. They became muscular from regular daily exercise. They could join the activity at school and lived a near normal life. The patients and family were very happy since they did not have to worry about bleeding. No adverse effect was found. The only constraint was the cost. It cost 180,000 baht (US$ 7,200) per year or 15,000 baht (US$ 600) per month for a 25 kg hemophiliac boy.