The advantages of using tranexamic acid in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The number of participants in sports or some form of recreation globally has led to an increase in the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and the number of surgeries performed. Although it does not belong to risky surgical interventions, this operation is accompanied by complications that slow down post-operative rehabilitation. The objective is to analyze the effects of intra-articular (IA) injection of tranexamic acid (TXA) on the reduction of post-operative drained blood volume, pain intensity, and incidence of hemarthrosis after ACL reconstruction. METHODS: This prospective research included 124 patients undergoing ACL reconstruction surgery, randomly divided into two groups. The TXA group received IA TXA, whereas an equal amount of placebo was administered using the same route in the control group. RESULTS: The research has shown that IA injection of TXA effectively reduces post-operative blood loss (TXA group 71.29 ± 40.76 vs. control group 154.35 ± 81.45), reducing the intensity of post-operative pain (p < 0.001) and the incidence of hemarthrosis. CONCLUSION: The application of TXA significantly reduced post-operative bleeding and pain intensity, which accelerated the post-operative period.

OBJETIVO: El mayor número de participantes en deportes o alguna forma de recreación en todo el mundo ha llevado a un aumento en la incidencia de lesiones del ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) y de las cirugías realizadas. Aunque no es una intervención quirúrgica de riesgo, esta operación va acompañada de complicaciones que ralentizan la rehabilitación posoperatoria. El objetivo es analizar los efectos de la inyección intraarticular de ácido tranexámico (TXA) sobre la reducción del volumen sanguíneo drenado posoperatorio, la intensidad del dolor y la incidencia de hemartrosis tras la reconstrucción del LCA. MÉTODO: Esta investigación prospectiva incluyó 124 pacientes sometidos a cirugía de reconstrucción del LCA, divididos aleatoriamente en dos grupos: uno recibió TXA intraarticular y otro (grupo de control) una cantidad igual de placebo por la misma vía. RESULTADOS: La investigación ha demostrado que la inyección intraarticular de TXA reduce efectivamente la pérdida de sangre posoperatoria (grupo TXA 71.29 ± 40.76 vs. grupo control 154.35 ± 81.45), reduciendo la intensidad del dolor posoperatorio (p < 0.001) y la incidencia de hemartrosis. CONCLUSIONES: La aplicación de TXA redujo significativamente el sangrado posoperatorio y la intensidad del dolor, lo que aceleró el posoperatorio.

30-sit-to-stand power is a better tool than isometric knee extensor strength to detect motor impairment in people with haemophilic arthropathy.

INTRODUCTION: Regular assessment of motor impairments is crucial in people with haemophilic arthropathy (PwHA). This study aimed to determine if there are differences in 30-seconds sit-to-stand (30-STS) power and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the knee extensors between PwHA and healthy control group (CG). The secondary aims were to investigate the correlation between 30-STS power and MVIC of knee extensors with clinical characteristics and to assess their effectiveness in identifying motor impairment in PwHA. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted by collecting data from PwHA (n = 17) and a sedentary CG (n = 15). MVIC (torque) and 30-STS power were normalised to body mass. Correlation analysis and simple linear regression adjusted for age were used to assess the association between tests and clinical variables. Using z-scores derived from the mean and standard deviation of the CG, we compared the MVIC and the 30-STS power in PwHA. RESULTS: PwHA showed lower MVIC and 30-STS power compared to CG (p < .001; large effect size d > .8). Lower 30-STS power was associated with greater joint impairment and greater fear of movement, whereas MVIC showed no association with clinical variables. 30-STS power showed a lower z-score compared to MVIC (p < .001). In addition, 30-STS power detected 47% of PwHA with motor impairment compared to 0% for MVIC (p = .002). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that 30-STS power may be more effective than knee extensors MVIC in detecting motor impairment in PwHA. Consequently, lower limb skeletal muscle power, rather than maximum knee extensor strength, appears to be more affected in PwHA.

How mild is mild haemophilia?

INTRODUCTION: People with mild haemophilia (PWMH) experience sporadic bleeds and are less likely to receive an early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and medical care. Arthropathy is a key determinant of health-related quality of life (QoL), producing pain, limitations in mobility and daily activities. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence, risk factors and QoL associated with arthropathy in PWMH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional cohort study. Data were collected in a single interview and evaluated by a physiotherapist and an orthopaedist and analysed on demographics; baseline factor levels; as well as clinical (Haemophilia Joint Health Score [HJHS]), ultrasound (Haemophilia Early Arthropathy Detection with Ultrasound [HEAD-US]), radiological (Pettersson score [PS]), pain (visual analogue scale [VAS]) and QoL evaluations. We defined arthropathy when at least one of the joints shown with a HEAD-US score ≥ 1. RESULTS: Eighty-five patients and 510 joints were included. Patients' mean age was 35.9 years-old. Median age was 44.2 in patients with arthropathy versus 14.9 in patients without; the difference was statistically significant (p < .001). In patients over 20 years old, 90.5% shown arthropathy. Only 24 (28%) patients had no joint damage (HEAD-US = 0), and 61 (72%) had at least one joint with a HEAD-US ≥ 1. The ankle was the most affected joint. Patient age was found to be the most important risk factor associated with the development of arthropathy. CONCLUSIONS: Joint damage as a result of prior hemarthrosis was the most relevant factor associated with lower QoL, and emphasised the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management in this particular population.

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.

Therapeutic options for hemarthrosis in severe hemophilic patients / Opções terapêuticas para as hemartroses em pacientes hemofílicos graves

Introduction: Hemophilia A and B are rare congenital X-linked recessive diseases caused by lack or deficiency of the coagulation factors VIII (FVIII) or IX (FIX), respectively. The primary therapeutic approach is to replace the deficient coagulation factor, which can be achieved with factors derived from human plasma or recombinants. However, despite having a therapeutic approach, most severe cases are symptomatic and may have complications, mainly in the muscles and joints. One example of such disorder is hemarthrosis. This manifestation tends to affect mainly the knee, ankle, or elbow joints in about 80% of cases. Objective: to describe the primary forms of treatment for joint bleeding in patients with severe hemophilia. Methods: This is a qualitative research of the integrative review type meant to identify productions on topics associated with hemarthrosis and severe hemophilia. The articles were searched through the databases PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo) and Virtual Health Library (BVS) with the following search descriptors: "hemarthrosis and hemophilia"; "joint diseases and Hemophilia" and corresponding terms in Portuguese. The inclusion criteria were as follows: a) scientific articles b) available in full-text c) studies available in Portuguese, English, or Spanish d) randomized clinical trials e) articles published between 2016 and 2021 f) articles containing hemarthrosis caused by severe hemophilia. As exclusion criteria, texts that had no relation to the theme, did not answer the guiding question, other types of articles that did not include randomized clinical trials and/or presented duplicates were discarded. Results: In total, 42 articles were found in the selected databases; eight were duplicated, and 25 were excluded for not being randomized clinical trials or because they did not contemplate the theme. After careful reading, nine articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified. Of the eligible studies, one reported factor replacement, and eight reported physiotherapeutic treatment. Conclusion:Factor replacement for hemophilic patients is essential and, based on the information obtained, early replacement is ben-eficial for the patient to avoid joint complications. Prophylaxis is indicated in severe hemophilia and its main objective is to prevent recurrent hemarthrosis, which can cause permanent functional deformities. Some physiotherapeutic interventions are indicated to prevent joint damage in severe hemophilic patients. The findings show diversity in the physical therapy modalities employed. The complete prevention of joint damage is still a challenge. A combination of treatments and a multi-disciplinary team follow-up is necessary to ensure health and quality of life of patients. (AU)

Introdução: As hemofilias A e B são doenças congênitas raras, recessivas ligadas ao X, causadas por falta ou deficiência de fator de coagulação VIII (FVIII) ou IX (FIX), respectivamente. A terapêutica tem como conduta principal a reposição do fator de coagulação deficiente, podendo ser feita com fatores derivados de plasma humano ou recombinantes. Porém, apesar de possuir uma terapêutica, grande parte dos casos graves são sintomáticos e podem ter complicações, na sua maioria, nos músculos e nas articulações. Uma dessas desordens é a hemartrose. Essa manifestação tende a acometer principalmente articulações do joelho, tornozelo ou cotovelo em cerca de 80% dos casos. Objetivo: descrever as principais formas de tra-tamento para sangramento articular em pacientes com hemofilia grave. Método: Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa do tipo revisão integrativa para identificação de produções sobre temas associados a hemartrose e hemofilia grave. A busca dos artigos foi através das bases de dados PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) e Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) com os seguintes descritores de busca: "hemarthrosis and hemophilia"; "joint diseases and hemophilia" e termos correspondentes no português. Os critérios de inclusão foram os seguintes: a) artigos b) estar disponível em texto completo c) estudos disponíveis nos idiomas português, inglês ou espanhol d) ensaios clínicos randomizados e) artigos publicados entre 2016 e 2021 f) artigos que contemplem hemartrose por hemofilia grave. Resultados: No total, foram encontrados 42 artigos nas bases de dados selecionadas; oito estavam duplicados e 25 foram excluídos por não serem ensaios clínicos randomizados ou por não contemplarem a temática. Após leitura cuidadosa, foram identificados 9 artigos que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Dos trabalhos elegíveis, um relatou sobre reposição de fator e oito artigos relataram sobre tratamento fisioterapêutico. Conclusão: A reposição de fatores para pacientes hemofílicos é essencial e, com base nas informações obtidas, a reposição precoce é benéfica para o paciente, evitando complicações articulares. A profilaxia está indicada na hemofilia grave e seu principal objetivo é prevenir a hemartrose recorrente, que pode causar deformidades funcionais permanentes. Algumas intervenções fisioterapêuticas são indicadas para prevenir danos articulares em pacientes hemofílicos graves. Os achados mostram diversidade nas modalidades de fisioterapia empregadas. A prevenção total dos danos articulares ainda é um desafio. É necessária uma combinação de tratamentos e acompanhamento por equipe multi-disciplinar de forma a garantir a saúde e qualidade de vida dos pacientes. (AU)

Comparison of the clinical and ultrasound evaluation of haemophilic arthropathy in children.

BACKGROUND: Joint ultrasound examination using the HEAD-US method in the detection of early arthropathy is poorly studied in our country. OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical and ultrasound evaluation of the joints in haemophilia. METHOD: Longitudinal, prospective and descriptive study with paediatric patients with haemophilia A and B evaluated with the HJHS 2.1 scale and ultrasound with a linear transducer of 8 to 12 MHz. Elbows, knees and ankles joints were evaluated bilaterally, with HEAD-US protocol. RESULTS: 69 paediatric patients were included of which 48 with severe haemophilia A (weight: 40.1 kg). On the HJHS scale, a greater involvement was observed in the left knee (0.49), and less in the right ankle (0.05). With the HEAD-US scale, the most affected was the right knee (0.78). There is a significant relationship in the involvement of the right knee evaluated with the HEAD-US scale in the presence of inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS: Weight above the 50th percentile is an independent risk factor for joint bleeding complications, while age and type of haemophilia do not appear to be related. The HEAD-US method is a useful and accessible tool for early detection of arthropathy and hemarthrosis.

ANTECEDENTES: La exploración articular por ultrasonido mediante el método HEAD-US en la detección de la artropatía temprana ha sido poco estudiada en nuestro país. OBJETIVO: Comparar la evaluación clínica y por ultrasonido de las articulaciones en niños con hemofilia. MÉTODOS: Estudio longitudinal, prospectivo y descriptivo con pacientes pediátricos con hemofilia A y B valorados con la escala HJHS 2.1 y ultrasonido con transductor lineal de 8 a 12 MHz. Se evaluaron las articulaciones de codos, rodillas y tobillos de forma bilateral, con el método HEAD-US. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 69 pacientes; de ellos, 48 con hemofilia A grave (peso: 40.1 kg). En la escala HJHS se observó mayor afectación en la rodilla izquierda (0.49) y menor en el tobillo derecho (0.05). Con la escala HEAD-US, la más afectada fue la rodilla derecha (0.78). Existe una relación significativa en la afectación de la rodilla derecha evaluada con la escala HEAD-US en presencia de inhibidor. CONCLUSIONES: El peso superior al percentil 50 es un factor de riesgo independiente de complicaciones por sangrado articular, mientras que la edad y el tipo de hemofilia no parecen relacionados. El método HEAD-US es una herramienta útil y accesible para la detección temprana de artropatía y hemartrosis.

Perfil epidemiológico de pacientes com Hemofilia A e doenças associadas ao uso do fator VIII/recombinante / Epidemiological profile of patients with Hemophilia A and diseases associated with the use of factor VIII/recombinant

Introdução: o Brasil é o quarto país em casos de Hemofilia A. O tratamento é infundir o fator de coagulação ausente. Reações ao uso do fator podem incluir manifestações alérgicas, doenças virais transfusionais e aloanticorpos. Objetivo: analisar o perfil epidemiológico de pacientes com Hemofilia A, e as doenças associadas ao uso do fator VIII e fator VIII recombinante. Metodologia: estudo transversal descritivo e retrospectivo. A coleta de dados foi realizada nos prontuários de pacientes com diagnóstico de hemofilia A, preenchidos com mais de 70% das informações, na Fundação Hospitalar de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Amazonas, Brasil. Resultados: o Ministério da Saúde identificou no Estado do Amazonas, o registro de 276 indivíduos com diagnóstico de Hemofilia A. Incluídos para análise neste estudo 164 prontuários. Características sociodemográficas: homens 99,4%, adolescentes (28%) e jovens (26,8%); de cor parda 67,1%, ensino fundamental incompleto 28,6% e, exercendo a ocupação de estudante 42,7%. Condição clínica: 36,6% classificados com hemofilia A grave. Todos os pacientes tiveram diagnóstico clínico e laboratorial. O parentesco mais comum é o de irmãos com 35,3%. Sintomas predominantes: hemartrose 45,4%; dor 31,9%; edema 24% e artropatia 8,5%. O fator VIII recombinante, administrado em 34,8% dos pacientes, enquanto o fator VIII plasmático em 28,0%. Administrados doses de 2000UI a 2999UI. As complicações: artralgia 77,4% e hemorragia 77,4%. Conclusão: cuidados qualificados dos profissionais de saúde auxiliam na prevenção de complicações sérias, resultando em qualidade de vida ao hemofílico.

Introduction: Brazil is the fourth country in cases of Hemophilia A. The treatment is to infuse the missing clotting factor. Reactions to the use of the factor can include, allergic manifestations, transfusion viral diseases and alloantibodies. Objective: analyze the epidemiological profile of patients with Hemophilia A, and the diseases associated with the use of factor VIII and recombinant factor VIII. Methodology: descriptive and retrospective cross-sectional study. Data collection was carried out in the medical records of patients diagnosed with hemophilia A, filled with more than 70% of the information, at the Fundação Hospitalar de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Amazonas, Brazil. Results: in the Ministry of Health of Brazil, it was identified, for the State from Amazonas, the registry of 276 individuals diagnosed with Hemophilia A. Included in the analysis for this study, 164 medical records. Sociodemographic characteristics: male, 99.4%, adolescents (28%) and young people (26.8%), brown skin color, 67.1%, incomplete elementary school, 28.6%, and working as a student, 42.7%. Clinical condition: 36.6% classified with severe hemophilia A. All patients had a clinical and laboratory diagnosis. The most common kinship is that of brothers, 35.3%. Predominant symptoms: hemarthrosis 45.4%, pain 31.9%, edema 24% and arthropathy 8.5%. Recombinant factor VIII, administered in 34.8% of patients, while plasma factor VIII in 28.0%. Doses of 2000 IU to 2999 IU were administered. Complications: arthralgia 77.4% and hemorrhage 77.4%. Conclusion: qualified care by health professionals helps to prevent serious complications, resulting in quality of life for the hemophiliac.

Effects of replacement therapies with clotting factors in patients with hemophilia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Different prophylactic and episodic clotting factor treatments are used in the management of hemophilia. A summarize of the evidence is needed inform decision-making. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of factor replacement therapies in patients with hemophilia. METHODS: We performed a systematic search in PubMed, Central Cochrane Library, and Scopus. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to December 2020, which compared different factor replacement therapies in patients with hemophilia. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed whenever possible. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021225857). RESULTS: Nine RCTs were included in this review, of which six compared episodic with prophylactic treatment, all of them performed in patients with hemophilia A. Pooled results showed that, compared to the episodic treatment group, the annualized bleeding rate was lower in the low-dose prophylactic group (ratio of means [RM]: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.43), intermediate-dose prophylactic group (RM: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.36), and high-dose prophylactic group (RM: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.13). With significant difference between these subgroups (p = 0.003, I2 = 82.9%). In addition, compared to the episodic treatment group, the annualized joint bleeding rate was lower in the low-dose prophylactic group (RM: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.43), intermediate-dose prophylactic group (RM of 0.14, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.27), and high-dose prophylactic group (RM of 0.08, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.16). Without significant subgroup differences. The certainty of the evidence was very low for all outcomes according to GRADE methodology. The other studies compared different types of clotting factor concentrates (CFCs), assessed pharmacokinetic prophylaxis, or compared different frequencies of medication administration. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that prophylactic treatment (at either low, intermediate, or high doses) is superior to episodic treatment for bleeding prevention. In patients with hemophilia A, the bleeding rate seems to have a dose-response effect. However, no study compared different doses of prophylactic treatment, and all results had a very low certainty of the evidence. Thus, future studies are needed to confirm these results and inform decision making.

Clinical and ultrasound evaluation of patients with haemophilia on prophylaxis.

INTRODUCTION: Primary prophylaxis is the current gold standard in haemophilia care for the prevention of bleeding and ensuing joint damage. Early detection of joint bleeding, whether symptomatic or subclinical, preferably during childhood, helps prevent joint deterioration and subsequent disability. The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of agreement between the Haemophilia Joint Health Score and the Haemophilia Early Arthropathy Detection with Ultrasound tools in children with severe haemophilia on primary and secondary prophylaxis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients were followed up regularly at our centre. Elbows, knees and ankles were evaluated by physical examination using the Haemophilia Joint Health Score 2.1 (HJHS 2.1), and by ultrasound with HEAD-US score. RESULTS: A total of 80 children with haemophilia on prophylaxis were included in this study. Mean age was 10.8 years (range 4-18). We evaluated 480 joints, of which 423 (88.1%) were concordant with both tools, whereas 57 (11.9%) were discordant; 377 (78.5%) joints scored 0 on HJHS, 370 (77%) on HEAD-US and 345 (72%) on both tools. The overall Kappa concordance coefficient was .656. For elbows, knees and ankles the respective values were .783, .522 and .589. For HJHS scores greater than 3, all joints scored ≥1 on HEAD-US. CONCLUSION: HJHS and HEAD-US are used to assess joint health in children with haemophilia on prophylaxis. In this study, the level of agreement between both tools was consistent with literature values only for the elbow joint.

Avaliação da articulação temporomandibular em indivíduos com hemofilia grave: caracterização clínica e aplicação da relaxometria T2 em imagens de ressonância magnética / Evaluation of the temporomandibular joint in individuals with severe hemophilia: clinical characterization and application of T2 relaxometry in magnetic resonance images

A hemofilia é uma doença hemorrágica hereditária ligada ao cromossomo X, decorrente da ausência ou da baixa quantidade no plasma dos fatores de coagulação VIII (hemofilia A) ou IX (hemofilia B). Clinicamente, a hemofilia se caracteriza por episódios recorrentes de sangramentos, que podem ocorrer espontaneamente ou em decorrência de traumas. O sistema músculo-esquelético é freqüentemente afetado pelos eventos hemorrágicos nos indivíduos portadores de hemofilia. Dentro desse sistema, as articulações são alvos de episódios recorrentes de sangramentos, resultando no fenômeno a que chamamos de hemartrose, responsável por estimular a hiperplasia da membrana sinovial articular e caracterizando o quadro das sinovites hemofílicas. O ciclo vicioso típico de hemartrose-sinovite-hemartrose quando estabelecido, tem como consequência a cronificação das alterações agudas articulares. Histologicamente, na sinovite, é observada a proliferação de fibroblastos sinoviais e a presença de um infiltrado de células inflamatórias. Apesar de a articulação temporomandibular (ATM) ser uma articulação do tipo sinovial, são poucos os relatos sobre o seu envolvimento na hemartrose e na sinovite hemofílica. Em razão disso, o objetivo deste estudo foi o de avaliar a ATM por meio de imagens de ressonância magnética (RM) utilizando-se a técnica denominada relaxometria. A relaxometria, também chamada de mapeamento T2, consiste em calcular as variações na intensidade do sinal de radiofrequência (RF) emitido pelos prótons das moléculas de água em função da variação do tempo quando excitados por um pulso externo de RF e submetidos à influência de um campo magnético estático. Esta mensuração é possível de ser realizada por meio da chamada sequência multieco de spin. A literatura científica descreve que a concentração de ferro nos tecidos resulta em encurtamento do tempo T2 e em consequente diminuição da intensidade de sinal das amostras biológicas. Desta forma, a relaxometria realizada com o objetivo de quantificar a concentração de ferro pode servir como uma forma de se estudar as propriedades intrínsecas dos tecidos e o ambiente molecular das estruturas analisadas. Foram selecionados pacientes maiores de 18 anos de idade, comprovadamente portadores de hemofilia A ou B classificadas como grave e que tiveram seguimento regular ambulatorial. O grupo controle foi pareado por idade e sexo com os pacientes, sendo representado por voluntários sem histórico de discrasia sanguínea ou disfunção temporomandibular (DTM). Foram avaliados 39 indivíduos (18 pacientes e 21 controles). Os critérios de exclusão foram: pacientes portadores de próteses metálicas, marca-passo cardíaco, clipes metálicos intracranianos (para aneurisma), claustrofobia severa e não consentimento à participação no estudo. Este estudo observou que a morfologia dos discos articulares se altera com o passar do tempo em indivíduos portadores de hemofilia grave (p-valor = 0,006), entretanto, nenhuma diferença estatística foi observada no que diz respeito à intensidade de sinal calculada em 4 momentos distintos (p-valor > 0,05), sugerindo não haver uma concentração maior de ferro no interior do disco articular na amostra estudada, nem entre os grupos e nem na transição entre os momentos avaliados. Também não foi observada diferença estatística (p-valor > 0,05) no que diz respeito aos sintomas relatados (sintomatologia dolorosa, cefaleia e alteração no movimento de abertura bucal e lateralidade da mandíbula) entre indivíduos portadores de hemofilia e indivíduos do grupo controle, sugerindo que a ATM possui uma forte capacidade de adaptação em comparação com as demais articulações do tipo sinovial diante dos efeitos provocados pela degradação da cartilagem articular.

Yttrium-90 radiosynovectomy in knees and ankles (25 joints in 22 hemophilic patients). Short-term results

ABSTRACT Introduction: The radiosynovectomy (RS) is one treatment option for recurrent hemarthrosis in patients with hemophilia (PWH). A prospective cohort study was designed to evaluate the effects of the RS on the synovial membrane volume in the ankles and knees of PWH and patient characteristics related to the RS outcome. Methods: In a one-year follow-up, 25 joints of 22 PWH who presented 3 bleeds or more in the same joint over the last 6 months (target joints) were subjected to the RS. Two groups were compared: those who retained target joints following the RS and those who did not (less than 3 bleeds/6 months after the RS). The groups were analyzed according to age, hemophilia type/severity, joint, body mass index (BMI), inhibitor and Hemophilia Joint Health Score 2.1 (HJHS). The magnetic resonance images (MRI) of six ankles and six knees were acquired prior to, and 6 months after, the RS. The synovial membrane volume and arthropathy MRI scale were accessed and volumes were compared and correlated with the Yttrium-90 dose injected. Results: Patients with a mean age of 12 years and a mean HJHS of 6.7 (p < 0.05) retained target joints after the RS. The inhibitor, joint, type/severity of disease and BMI showed no significant differences between groups. The synovial membrane volume had a significant reduction after the RS (p = 0.03), but no correlation with the Yttrium-90 dose. In proportion to the synovial membrane volume, doses injected to the ankles were larger than those injected to the knees. Conclusion: The synovial membrane volume is reduced after the RS, regardless of the effective 90Y dose.

Aquatic exercise in patients with haemophilia: Electromyographic and functional results from a prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Recurrent joint bleeds in haemophilia patients often cause musculoskeletal changes leading to functional capacity impairment. AIM: In this study, we assessed the effects of aquatic activities performed to improve functional capacity in these patients. METHODS: The interventional protocol consisted of 24 hydrotherapy sessions during three months, in comparison with 24 swimming sessions. The pre- and post-intervention assessment consisted of Functional Independence Score, haemophilia joint health score (HJHS), Pediatric Haemophilia Activities List (PedHAL), surface electromyography (SEMG) of thigh muscles to assess muscle electric activity, and load cell on extensor and flexor thigh muscles to evaluate muscular strength. RESULTS: Forty-seven haemophilia patients were enrolled in this study, and 32 (23 severe haemophilia A, one moderate haemophilia A and 8 severe haemophilia B), median age 12y (6 to 40y), concluded the aquatic intervention. We observed a statistically significant increase with substantial improvement in functional capacity in the pre- and post-intervention evaluation of hydrotherapy in comparison with the swimming protocol, with HJHS (p = .006 and p = .001 respectively), PedHAL (Sum score) (p = .022 and p = .001) and score FISH (p = .021). The swimming group revealed significant improvements in muscular strength, in all muscles tested (p = .005 and p = .001). SEMG signal amplitude reached significantly higher levels in all muscles evaluated after both interventions except for the vastus medialis (right) in the hydrotherapy group. CONCLUSION: Our results concluded that both swimming and hydrotherapy were associated with physical improvement in haemophilia patients; however, only hydrotherapy lead to a more significant improvement in functional capacity.

Knee radiosynovectomy with 153Sm-hydroxyapatite compared to 90Y-hydroxyapatite: initial results of a prospective trial.

INTRODUCTION: Radiosynovectomy (RS) with 90Y-hydroxyapatite (90Y-HyA) aims to control knee hemarthrosis in hemophiliac patients to prevent secondary arthropathy. However, knee RS using 153Sm-hydroxyapatite (153Sm-HyA) is considered less suitable due to the lower average soft tissue range and energy of 153Sm for large joints, such as the knees. PURPOSE: The objective of this investigation was to assess the efficacy and safety of knee RS with 153Sm-HyA, compared to 90Y-HyA. METHODS: Forty patients were prospectively assigned to undergo knee RS with 153Sm-HyA (n = 19) or with 90Y-HyA (n = 21). The frequency of hemarthrosis episodes before and after treatment were compared. RESULTS: After six months of knee RS, 153Sm-HyA and 90Y-HyA promoted a similar reduction of hemarthrosis episodes (50% and 66.7%, respectively). However, after 12 months of knee RS, the reduction of hemarthrosis episodes was significantly (p = 0.037) higher using 153Sm-HyA (87.5%) compared to 90Y-HyA (50.0%). This discrepancy was more pronounced (p = 0.002) for 153Sm-HyA compared to 90Y-HyA in adults/adolescents. CONCLUSION: Knee radiosynovectomy with 153Sm-HyA is safe, reduces hemarthrosis episodes after 12 months of treatments, especially in adults/adolescents and even with grades III/IV arthropathy, similar to 90Y-HyA. 90Y-HyA seems to promote better hemarthrosis control in small children.

Avaliação da Força Muscular em Adultos com Hemofilia de uma Associação de Pacientes em Brasília / Assessment of Muscle Strength in Adults with Hemophilia from an Association of Patients in Brasília / Evaluación de la fuerza muscular en adultos con hemofilia de una asociación de pacientes en Brasilia

Objetivo: avaliar a força muscular periférica em adultos portadores de hemofilia, por meio da dinamometria manual, e verificar a diferença da força muscular de acordo com a classificação de gravidade da hemofilia. Método: Participaram da pesquisa 20 homens divididos em 2 grupos, um com hemofílicos e um controle; foi aplicada uma ficha avaliativa seguida do teste de preensão palmar. Resultados: Quando comparados os dois grupos, foi observada diferença estatística significativa nas variáveis estatura (p=0,007) e força de preensão dos lados dominante (p=0,04) e não dominante (0,002), favorecendo o grupo controle; quando comparada a força de preensão dos hemofílicos com a doença leve e grave, houve diferença significativa para o lado não dominante (p=0,01). Conclusão: Pode-se associar a diminuição de força de preensão para o grupo de hemofílicos à sua condição de doença crônica hereditária. Entretanto, como o número de participantes foi pequeno, esses resultados sugestivos, mostram a necessidade de mais estudos sobre o tema

Objective: to evaluate peripheral muscle strength in adults with hemophilia, through manual dynamometry, and to verify the difference in muscle strength according to the classification of hemophilia severity. Method: Twenty men participated in the research, divided into 2 groups, one with hemophiliacs and one control; an evaluation form was applied, followed by the handgrip test. Results: When the two groups were compared, a statistically significant difference was observed in the variables height (p=0.007) and grip strength of the dominant (p=0.04) and non-dominant (0.002) sides, favoring the control group; when comparing the grip strength of hemophiliacs with mild and severe disease, there was a significant difference for the non-dominant side (p=0.01). Conclusion: The decrease in grip strength for the group of hemophiliacs can be associated with their condition of hereditary chronic disease. However, as the number of participants was small, these suggestive results show the need for more studies on the subject.

Objetivo: El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la fuerza muscular periférica en adultos con hemofilia, mediante dinamometría manual, y verificar la diferencia en la fuerza muscular según la clasificación de severidad de la hemofilia. Método: Participaron de la investigación 20 hombres, divididos en 2 grupos, uno con hemofílicos y otro control; Se aplicó un formulario de evaluación, seguido de la prueba de agarre. Resultados: Al comparar los dos grupos, se observó una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en las variables altura (p = 0,007) y fuerza de agarre en los lados dominantes (p = 0,04) y no dominantes (0,002), favoreciendo al grupo control; al comparar la fuerza de agarre de los hemofílicos con la enfermedad leve y grave, hubo una diferencia significativa para el lado no dominante (p = 0,01). Conclusión: La disminución de la fuerza de prensión del grupo de hemofílicos puede estar asociada a su condición de enfermedad crónica hereditaria. Sin embargo, como el número de participantes fue pequeño, estos sugerentes resultados muestran la necesidad de más estudios sobre el tema.

The intra-articular use of an hemostatic and non-adherent bicomponent for pain control, hemarthrosis, and knee range of motion after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Introduction: Complications in the recent postoperative period of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction are common. Among them, pain, hemarthrosis, and difficulty of complete range of motion. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of the intra-articular carboxymethylcellulose ­ polysaccharide B bicomponent shortly after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and to compare the results obtained for pain control, hemarthrosis, and knee range of motion with a control group. Materials and methods: randomized, and prospective clinical trial of thirty-two patients divided into two groups: reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament with an intra-articular injection of a bicomponent carboxymethylcellulose-polysaccharide B (n = 16) and without the bicomponent (n = 16). Pain, hemarthrosis and knee range of motion were evaluated in the first postoperative week. Results: the group with bicomponent presented less pain on the third (p = 0.017) and fifth (p = 0.029) postoperative day when compared to the control group. Hemarthrosis was significantly lower on the first postoperative day (p = 0.001), and there was a significant improvement in the range of motion on the seventh day of surgery (p = 0.008) in this same group. Conclusions: the use of intra-articular carboxymethylcellulose-polysaccharide B showed superior results for pain control, hemarthrosis, and gain in the knee range of motion in the recent postoperative period (up to seven days) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, when compared to patients from the control group

Tratamiento por vía artroscópica de pacientes con el diagnóstico de plica sinovial de rodilla / Arthroscopic treatment of patients diagnosed with synovial knee plica

Introducción: la PS se puede presentar de forma aislada o asociada a otras enfermedades, pero su responsabilidad como causa de dolor de la articulación se justifica cuando no se detectan otras alteraciones intraarticulares que expliquen los síntomas o cuando se asocia a otras enfermedades y se observa la PS vascularizada e irritada. El diagnóstico positivo es difícil tanto desde el punto de vista clínico como imagenológico, de allí que la artroscopia constituye el estándar de oro, para confirmar su presencia y realizar el tratamiento. Objetivo: evaluar la efectividad del tratamiento artroscópico en la percepción de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en 72 pacientes con plica sinovial. Método: se realizó un estudio de intervención terapéutica del tipo antes-después, prospectivo, longitudinal, cuasi–experimental, en el servicio de Ortopedia y Traumatología del Hospital Carlos Manuel de Céspedes de Bayamo, en el periodo comprendido de enero 2017 a diciembre 2018, al tratarse de un estudio cuasi-experimental, se llevó a cabo un análisis intragrupo, comparando los datos pre y postratamiento. Resultados: prevaleció el sexo femenino, en las edades comprendidas entre los 30 a 44 años, las plicas suprapatelares fueron frecuentes. La manifestación clínica más frecuente fue el dolor, seguido de la crepitación. La escala analógica visual mostró mejoría con disminución estadísticamente significativa. Conclusiones: se demostró la efectividad de la artroscopia. La complicación más frecuente fue la hemartrosis posquirúrgica(AU)

Introduction: PS can occur in isolation or associated with other diseases, but its responsibility as a cause of joint pain is justified when other intra-articular alterations that explain the symptoms are not detected or when it is associated with other diseases and the PS vascularized and irritated. Positive diagnosis is difficult both from a clinical and imaging point of view, hence arthroscopy is the gold standard, to confirm its presence and carry out treatment. Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of arthroscopic treatment in the perception of health-related quality of life in 72 patients with synovial plica. Method: a prospective, longitudinal, quasi-experimental, before-after, therapeutic intervention study was carried out in the Orthopedics and Traumatology department of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Hospital in Bayamo, in the period from January 2017 to December 2018, As it was a quasi-experimental study, an intragroup analysis was carried out, comparing the pre and post-treatment data.Results: the female sex prevailed, in the ages between 30 to 44 years, suprapatellar plicae were frequent. The most frequent clinical manifestation was pain, followed by crepitus. The visual analog scale showed improvement with a statistically significant decrease. Conclusions: the effectiveness of arthroscopy was demonstrated. The most frequent complication was postoperative hemarthrosis(EU)

Young adult outcomes of childhood prophylaxis for severe hemophilia A: results of the Joint Outcome Continuation Study.

The Joint Outcome Study (JOS), a randomized controlled trial, demonstrated that children with severe hemophilia A (HA) initiating prophylactic factor VIII (FVIII) prior to age 2.5 years had reduced joint damage at age 6 years compared with those treated with episodic FVIII for bleeding. The Joint Outcome Continuation Study (JOS-C) evaluated early vs delayed prophylaxis effects on long-term joint health, following JOS participants to age 18 years in an observational, partially retrospective study. Index joint magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scores of osteochondral (OC) damage (primary outcome), joint physical examination scores, and annualized rates of joint/other bleeding episodes (secondary outcomes) were collected. Thirty-seven of 65 JOS participants enrolled in JOS-C, including 15 randomized to prophylaxis at mean age 1.3 years ("early prophylaxis"); 18 initially randomized to episodic treatment, starting "delayed prophylaxis" at mean age 7.5 years; and 4 with high-titer inhibitors. At JOS-C exit, MRI OC damage was found in 77% of those on delayed and 35% of those on early prophylaxis for an odds ratio of OC damage, in the delayed vs early prophylaxis group, of 6.3 (95% confidence interval, 1.3, 29.9; P = .02). Annualized bleeding rates were higher with delayed prophylaxis (mean plus or minus standard deviation, 10.6 ± 6.6 vs 3.5 ± 2.1; P < .001), including when only comparing time periods on prophylaxis (6.2 ± 5.3 vs 3.3 ± 1.9; P < .05). In severe HA, early initiation of prophylaxis provided continued protection against joint damage throughout childhood compared with delayed initiation, but early prophylaxis was not sufficient to fully prevent damage. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01000844.

Inhibition of Fenton reaction is a novel mechanism to explain the therapeutic effect of intra-articular injection of PRP in patients with chronic haemophilic synovitis.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Haemarthroses cause major morbidity in haemophilia resulting in chronic haemophilic synovitis (CHS) and arthropathy. Oxidation of haemoglobin-coupled iron released in synovium after haemolysis induces chondrocytes death and cartilage damage, allowing postulate using iron-chelating drugs as potential therapeutic tool for haemophilic joint damage. Considering that albumin, the most abundant plasma protein, is a physiologic iron chelator, we aim to demonstrate that impediment of haemoglobin oxidation is exerted by plasma as a mechanism involved in the therapeutic effect of intra-articular injection of platelet-rich plasma in CHS. METHODS: Oxidation of haemoglobin (Hb) to methaemoglobin (MeHb) through Fenton reaction was induced in vitro by addition of potassium ferricyanide in the presence or absence of peripheral blood-derived platelets-rich or platelets-poor plasma (PRP/PPP) or albumin. The relevance of in vitro findings was analysed in synovial fluid (SF) samples from one patient with CHS obtained before and after 6 months of PRP intra-articular injection. RESULTS: MeHb formation was completely impaired either by of PPP, PRP or albumin indicating that PRP exerts an anti-oxidative effect, probably due by plasma albumin. Analysis of SF samples revealed the presence of MeHb levels and haemosiderin-laden macrophages in SF obtained before PRP treatment. Reduction of synovial MeHb, normalization of cellular composition and improvement of health joint haemophilic score, pain and bleeding episodes were registered after 6 months of PRP intra-articular injection. CONCLUSION: Inhibition of Fenton reaction and the consequent normalization of joint cellular composition is a noncanonical mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of PRP intra-articular injection in CHS.

Treatment with radiosynoviorthesis in hemophilic patients with and without inhibitor.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous bleedings occurring into joints (hemarthrosis) are the most common manifestations of hemophilia and causes severe joint damage ultimately resulting in joint disfunction known as hemophilic arthropathy. Among available therapeutic options for reducing recurrent hemarthrosis-associated damage, radiosynoviorthesis (RS) has proven effective in improving joint function. AIM: To assess the impact of RS with Yttrium(90) citrate (C-Y(90)) on frequency of hemarthroses and joint function in a group of pediatric patients. METHODS: Between November 1998 and February 2017, we evaluated 27 pediatric patients with mild, moderate or severe hemophilia with haemophilic arthropathy. Overall, RS was applied in 60 joints. Some patients received more than one single intra-articular injection with C-Y(90). RESULTS: During the follow-up, one patient showed joint bleeding 15 months after RS, one patient after 12 months and one patient after 45 days. The episodes of hemarthrosis were reduced and joint function significantly improved in all patients. CONCLUSION: RS with C-Y(90) is a simple and safe treatment for reducing the frequency of hemarthroses in patients with hemophilia. It decreases the use of factor VIII / IX and improves joint function.