Haemophilia Comprehensive Care Centre Research Articles

Earliest Possible Detection and Intervention for Synovitis in Hemophilia- Results from a Single Center Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction There is scientific evidence to suggest that the most serious health problems for hemophilic patients arise from joint damage, which in turn results from joint bleeding, which is overlooked and therefore not treated. The ankle joint was affected the earliest in most hemophilic patients. Strategies for detecting and treating bleeding in hemophilic patients need to be further developed and made more widely known by clinicians. Aim of our study The aim of our retrospective, single-center cohort study was to compare the effects of reactive versus preventive joint ultrasound as guidance for adjustments of treatment regimens for patients with severe hemophilia at our Hemophilia Comprehensive Care Center (HCCC) in Duisburg, Germany. Methods Before 2020, we used ultrasound according to the German hemophilia-synovitis guidelines in 2018. This meant that we sonographed the ankle joints and knees of most of our patients when they reported discomfort in the joint or when a joint bleeding had occurred. In these cases, prophylactic hemophilia treatment was immediately adjusted to a level at which the bleeding and/or discomfort stopped. If the factor treatment was not sufficient to accomplish this goal, the joints were treated with radiosynoviorthesis (RSO). In 2020, we changed our diagnostic strategy from reactive to preventive measures. Thus, we used ultrasound on every ankle and knee joint of our severely hemophilic patients at least once a year. If we found so called “silent symptoms,” which means touch-sensitive joints, the joints were sonographed once every three months. In cases of signs of joint degradation, we adjusted the prophylactic factor treatment accordingly. Results From 2020 to 2022, we examined a total of 1193 joints of 688 patients with hemophilia A or B, as well as with vWD disease type 2 or 3 and other severe coagulation disorders (factor VII deficiency, factor XIII deficiency, afibrinogenemia, and Glanzman disease). Of these, 103 had severe hemophilia A or B. In this study, we examined 656 joints sonographically. Of these, we examined 281 ankle joints in 80 patients and 175 knees in 64 patients, and adjusted the therapy regimens accordingly in these patients if necessary. Seven RSOs of the ankle joints and three RSOs of the knees were performed in the cohort up to 2020. After 2020, only two RSOs of the ankle joints were performed in the cohort. Conclusions At least for patients at our HCCC in Duisburg, Germany, we were able to show for the period 2020-2022 that closer ultrasound monitoring of ankle joints and knees in patients with severe hemophilia A or B and appropriate adjustment of prophylactic factor therapy was associated with less severe and less frequent joint degradation.

High Prevalence of a Rare Bleeding Disorder: A Report from Glanzmann Thrombasthenia Registry of Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia

Introduction Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) is a hereditary bleeding disorder caused by a defect or deficiency of platelet glycoprotein IIbIIIa. Though GT is considered a rare bleeding disorder, some countries in the Middle East report a high prevalence of GT. Aim Description of GT patients' prevalence, demographic, clinical, and genetic features in AlMadinah, Saudi Arabia. Methods This is a 20-year report from the AlMadinah GT registry in the Madinah Hemophilia Comprehensive Care Center. The registry has included all patients with a confirmed diagnosis of GT. To label a patient as GT, He must have absence or abnormal response in all agonists except ristocetin plus absence or reduced expression of platelet glycoprotein IIbIIIa on Flowcytometry. Next-generation sequencing is used to target sequencing for Molecular testing. The extracted data underwent an analysis process, where 136 GT patients were identified. Only 125 cases have complete data in records. Statistical analysis made via a statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) version 23. The research and ethical committee approved the study. Results The prevalence of GT among Saudis in AlMadinah, Saudi Arabia, based on the Saudi population in 2022, is 1:10,000. One hundred twenty-five GT patients were studied: 67 (54%) females and 58 (46%) males. The median age at the time of the report was 16.5 (10 days to 56 years). Ninety-nine (79%) patients have type 1 GT. Out of 108 (86%) whose Consanguinity status was recorded, 106 (98%) GT patients are products of consanguineous marriage. Seventy (65%) patients were products of first-degree cousin parents. Family history of GT was reported in 107 (86%) cases. Twenty-five families have more than one sibling (2-5) with GT. A single tripe has 50 members with GT. The median age at presentation is 2 years (7 days to 11 years). The most common symptoms are gum bleeds, Epistaxis, and Bruises. Eighteen (16%) patients suffered from a severe bleeding course (defined as bleeding continued for more than 3 days, drop in hemoglobin for more than 2 g / L from the baseline, or needed admission to the intensive care unit). Forty (35%) patients had a moderate course (bleeding requiring hospital admission and not filling the criteria for severe one). Fifty-seven (50%) patients had a mild clinical course (bleeding can be stopped at home). Eighteen (17%) patients had bleeding episodes more than once a month, 34 (32%) had six or fewer bleeds per year, and 57 (52%) patients had one bleeding episode per year. Menorrhagia affected 35 (86%) ladies and girls. Hormonal therapy has been used at least once in their lives to interfere with the menstrual cycle in 39 (95 %) patients. Twenty-eight pregnancies were reported, producing 24 babies (13 girls and 11 boys). A postpartum hemorrhage took place after 18 deliveries (75%). Mild to moderate pregnancy-related bleeding occurred in 7 pregnancies. Iron deficiency anemia was found in 66 (66%) patients out of 100 whose iron status was reported. Eighteen mutations have been identified: 15 mutations in the ITGA2B gene and 3 mutations in the ITGB3 gene (table 1). The mutation ITGA2B:exon13:c.1210+5G>A is a novel mutation found only in one tripe, where all 12 GT patients in this tripe carry this mutation. The mutation ITGA2B: exon20:c.1879-2A>G is the most frequent mutation affecting one tribe only, and all 42 GT patients who descend from this tribe carry this mutation. The second frequent mutation is ITGB3:exon13:c.2112delC, involving 28 GT patients. Though we could not find a correlation between genotype and phenotype, we noticed GT patients carrying mutations exon13:c.2112delC and exon13:c.1210+5G>A running a more severe clinical course compared to patients affected by the mutation ITGA2B: exon20:c.1879-2A>G. Anti-platelet antibodies have been detected in 11 (9%) patients, 2 of them during pregnancy. Apart from Menorrhagia, 10 out of 15 GT patients running severe clinical courses improved when they reached puberty. Conclusions GT is the commonest bleeding disorder in AlMadinah, Saudi Arabia, with a prevalence of 1:10,000. With a high rate of menorrhagia and IDA. The high rate of consanguineous marriage could be a reason for the high prevalence of GT.

Oral health status and oral habits of children and adolescents with hemophilia: a report from the children’s hemophilia comprehensive care center of China

In recent years, the diagnosis and treatment of hemophilic children in China has significantly improved. However, oral health conditions, which affect quality of life, haven’t received attention in this population. To explore the oral health status and oral hygiene of children and adolescents with hemophilia in the Children’s Hemophilia Comprehensive Care Center of China. Dental and oral hygiene examinations were performed in children and adolescents with hemophilia who visited Beijing Children’s Hospital. DMFT/dmft (decayed, missing, filled teeth in permanent and primary teeth) was assessed according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. The simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) was used to evaluate the oral hygiene condition of the subjects. Questionnaires were completed by their parents. SPSS 21.0 was used for statistical analysis. A total of 114 children and adolescents were enrolled. The caries prevalence was 57.4%, 72.2% and 41.2% in primary, mixed and permanent dentitions respectively. The filling rates were 14.4%, 13.9%, and 11.4%, respectively, and the OHI-S scores of the three dentition groups were 1.49 ± 0.46, 1.57 ± 0.43, and 1.76 ± 0.46, respectively. A total of 103 valid questionnaires were collected. Sixty-nine children (67%) didn’t brushed their teeth 2 times a day. Nearly half of the parents knew little about fluoride toothpaste. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that brushing teeth with the help of parents had a significant positive impact on OHI-S. Conclusion: Dental health was unsatisfactory among hemophilic children and adolescents. The caries filling rates were low. Patients and their parents did not give much attention to oral health.What is Known:• Caries and gingivitis are the two main oral diseases that affect children with hemophilia.• However, the oral health conditions of children and adolescents with hemophilia have not received much attention in China.What is New:• This is the first study concentrating on the dental health of children with hemophilia in China.• Dental health was unsatisfactory among children and adolescents with hemophilia in China.

Assessment of Haemophilia Patients' and Other Bleeding Disorders Needs of Psychosocial Support and Health Care Needs and Their Utilization in Haemophilia Treatment Centres (ILLUSTRATE Study)

Background: Psychological support for chronically ill patients as an integral component of medical care could improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients and contribute to a reduction in treatment costs. A meta-analysis including almost 3,000 patients revealed that persons with hemophilia (PWH) are at increased risk for depression, anxiety, and ADHD compared to the general population (Al-Huniti et al., 2020). Studies have shown that the self-efficacy, coping mechanisms, and HRQoL of parents of hemophilic children were improved by self-help programs, and depression, anxiety, and parenting stress were reduced. Although different psychological interventions have been used to help PWH to cope with their psychological problems, there is a gap between patients' need for psychosocial support from the perspective of health care professionals (HCPs) and their utilization by PWH. The aim of the ILLUSTRATE study was to assess the need for psychosocial support and medical care in patients with inherited bleeding disorders (IBD) and in HCPs and their use in hemophilia centers. Methods: Patients with IBD (PIBD) were invited by different German patient organizations (Deutsche Bluthilfe, DHG, IGH, Hämophilie 2000) to participate in an on-line surevey (from December 2022-June 2023). In addition, HCPs were asked to complete a similar on-line survey via the mailing list of the German Society for Thrombosis and Hemostaseology. A positive ethical approval for the study was obtained by the Local Psychological Ethics Committee at the University Medical Centre in Hamburg, Germany (LPEK-0578). The questionnaire for patients consisted of the following aspects: socio-demographic data, medical background, care services and psycho-social support, dealing with stress and difficult situations, dealing with special situations that may arise or be exacerbated by the bleeding disorder, offer of psycho-social counseling/support, and need for expansion. The questionnaire for HCPs contained the following themes: personal background, need of patients for psycho-social counseling/support (PSCS), supply of PSCS and need for expansion, utilization, and benefits of PSCS. Results: In total, 154 patients and parents of children with an IBD participated (72 PIBD,80 parents, 2 others) with a mean age of 41.06±13.3 years, 60.4% were female. In addition, 65 HCPs completed the respective survey (34 physicians, 27 nurses and 4 others) with a mean age of 48.11 ± 12.7 years, in average they worked since 13.1±10.8 years in haemostaseology, 78.5% worked in a hemophilia comprehensive care center (HCCC), 20% in a hemophilia treatment center (HTC) and 1.5% in a homecare service. In the IBD group (patients, parents) most were married (59.1%), lived with a partner (83.8%) and worked full- or part-time (66%). Most PIBD had hemophilia (74%) with a severe form (81.8%). 28.6% of the IBD group felt little to not at all supported to overcome psycho-social challenges. It was demonstrated that they had an intermediate stress resilience (14.76±3.1), with 1/3 showing a low resilience. When asking what coping strategies they used in stress situations, 26% mentioned that they ignore difficult situations and 16% compensated their stress with drugs and alcohol. 20% often to always felt helpless and overwhelmed due to their IBD and 31% rarely to never received support in these situations. 71% reported to have a need for PSCS, 57% wished more support services (69% mainly at the HTC), 71% felt not to have enough information about these services and 64% would use them more often if they were more accessible. 52% of HCPs found that the IBD group has a need of PSCS, they assumed that parents and adolescent patients would benefit most of these services and expected the highest advantage from psychological counseling. 60% thought that there is a need for information and education. The IBD group and HCPs preferred PSCS in presence, the IBD group would use services as well via phone or digital. Conclusions: Although offered psycho-social support programs are rarely used by patients, a large proportion of the IBD group and HCPs confirmed a need for it. Increased accessibility to PSCS and more information were identified as a factor for increased use of this support programs. Additional digital psycho-social support services were desired and represent a helpful alternative if services are not available on site.

Pregnancy and Delivery Outcome Among Ladies with Glanzmann Thrombasthenia: A Report from Glanzmann Thrombasthenia Registry of Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia

Introduction Glanzmann's thrombasthenia (GT) is an autosomal recessive bleeding disorder due to functional platelet defects impairing platelet aggregation. AlMadinah has reported the highest prevalence of GT globally, with a prevalence of 1:10,000. Pregnancy had been reported among ladies with GT with different outcomes. As a bleeding disorder, Pregnancy among ladies with GT carries a higher risk for bleeding either during pregnancy or intra and postpartum. Neonates have an increased risk for hemorrhage, either due to alloimmunization or they may carry the gene of GT. Many GT ladies got pregnant earlier when GT diagnosis was difficult, and they did not know their diagnosis; even after the diagnosis was possible, ceasing the menstrual cycle was not culturally acceptable. In this study, we are describing the pregnancies among GT ladies and their outcomes. Methods This is a report from the AlMadinah GT registry in the Madinah Hemophilia Comprehensive Care Center. The registry covers a period of 20 years and includes all patients with a confirmed diagnosis of GT. 136 GT patients were identified. 11 patients had no data available. A spreadsheet designed to collect detailed data about pregnancy, delivery, and neonates. Electronic and hard copy medical records have been accessed to collect data. Data was analyzed by the statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) version 23. The research and ethical committee approved the study. Results Twenty-eight pregnancies have been identified. The median age of mothers at the time of pregnancy was 30 ± 5.7 years (20 - 42 years). Mothers' Gravidity was 1-7 (median 2.5 ± 1.6), and parity was 1-6 (median 2 ±1.4). Five miscarriages (18%) identified occurred at the 17 th, 11 th, 13 th and 15 th gestational weeks. In contrast, 5 th one is not on record. Three miscarriages took place after moderate to severe vaginal bleeding. Mild to severe post-abortion bleeding was controlled with platelets transfusion, activated human recombinant factor 7 (rFVIIa), and tranexamic acid. Thirty-two bleeding episodes occurred during 16 pregnancies, with 1-5 bleeding episodes per pregnancy (Median of 2 episodes). Seven (22%) bleeding episodes were vaginal bleeds, while 25 (78%) were GT-related bleeds such as gum bleeding or epistaxis. Two patients must undergo plasma exchange and be on steroids due to alloimmunization development during pregnancy. Delivery occurred at the gestational age of 34-40 weeks (median 38 ± 2 weeks). Sixteen (70%) deliveries were vaginal, and 7(30%) were cesarean sections. The indications for cesarean sections were family request in 4 cases, fetal distress in two instances, and precautional section in one case. Prophylactic platelets transfusion had given pre-delivery on four occasions, rFVIIa on 4, and a combination of rFVIIa and platelets transfusion on six occasions. Tranexamic acid was used in all cases. Ten deliveries were conducted with no prophylaxis. Post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) occurred in 18 (64%) cases, 13 (72%) cases of primary PPH, and 5 (28%) cases of secondary PPH. We could not find a correlation between pre-delivery prophylaxes and PPH (P=0.2). PPH had controlled successfully with platelets transfusion and rFVIIa though red blood cell transfusion was needed on eight occasions. Twenty-eight pregnancies produced 24 babies (13 girls and 11 boys). Four babies had bleeding (2 intracranial hemorrhages, one subdural hematoma, and one gum oozing), and 9 had alloimmunization with mild to severe thrombocytopenia. Of all babies tested for GT, 6 of them were GT. Conclusions Pregnancy among ladies with GT carries a higher risk of bleeding. Management of pregnancy in women with GT has to be in a Multidisciplinary approach. The high rate of PPH among GT ladies makes it essential to treat it promptly. Pregnancy among ladies with GT should be studied in multi-centers sitting to learn more about clinical courses and management.

Accreditation model of European Haemophilia Centres in the era of novel treatments and gene therapy.

The international certification of haemophilia centres in Europe is run by the European Association of Haemophilia and Allied Disorders (EAHAD) and European Haemophilia Consortium (EHC) since 2013. The centres are designated as European Haemophilia Comprehensive Care Centres (EHCCC) or European Haemophilia Treatment Centres (EHTC), based on the specific requirements which evaluate centres' ability to provide care for patients with haemophilia and allied disorders. To establish the new protocol for accreditation of European Haemophilia Centres. EAHAD, in collaboration with EHC, established Accreditation Working Group with the aim to define necessary measures to safeguard quality and improvement of bleeding disorders care throughout Europe and to build a novel model for accreditation of European Haemophilia Centres. The European guidelines for certification of haemophilia centres have been updated to guidelines for the accreditation and include all the requirements regarding facilities, laboratory and personnel needed for optimal management of novel treatment options, including the introduction of the hub-and-spoke model for delivery of gene therapy. A pilot project for the accreditation of haemophilia centres including on-site audit has been designed. Implementation of the novel accreditation protocol of the haemophilia treatment and haemophilia gene therapy centres has been made to further improve the quality of care for patients with haemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders.

Evaluation of Functional and Joint Health and Associated Factors in Adults With Hemophilia From a Developing Country With Government-Backed Efforts to Improve Hemophilia Care.

Introduction Hemophilic arthropathy affects people with hemophilia (PwH) and causes joint dysfunction and disability. Brazil has a unique situation and implemented policies to improve health care for PwH. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Functional Independence Score in Hemophilia (FISH), Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS), and associated factors among adult PwH attending a Hemophilia Comprehensive Care Center in Brazil. Methods A post hoc analysis was conducted, including 31 patients who had submitted to a physical evaluation during a previously published cross-sectional study performed from June 2015 to May 2016 at the Brasília Blood Center Foundation, Brazil. Results The mean age was 30.8±9.4 years, and 80.6% had severe hemophilia. FISH was 27.0±3.8, and HJHS 18.0±10.8. The ankle was the most often affected joint (25/31, 80.6%). There were significant correlations between FISH and HJHS scores and the Hemophilia Quality of Life Questionnaire for Adults. Patients with severe hemophilia (P = 0.029) and PwH aged ≥ 30 years (P = 0.049) had lower FISH scores. Monthly household income > 2 Brazilian minimum wages was independently associated with improved HJHS (P = 0.033). The factors simultaneously associated with better HJHS and FISH were age < 30 years (P = 0.021) and monthly household income < 2 minimum wages (P = 0.013). Conclusion FISH and HJHS showed favorable scores despite being performed in a country with unfavorable socioeconomic conditions. In addition to hemophilia severity and age, monthly household income was independently associated with functional and articular state of PwH. The results highlight the importance of the free provision of coagulation factors in Brazil.

Report on 4 cases with decreased recovery due to neutralizing antibodies specific for PEGylated recombinant factor VIII

BackgroundThe immunogenicity, safety, and efficacy of recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) have gained increasing interest after the introduction of extended half-life products with various modifications of the rFVIII molecule, such as covalent attachment of polyethylene glycol (PEG). Anti-PEG antibodies may be associated with a temporary reduction of FVIII recovery, but according to previous studies, they usually disappear after continuous dosing. Anti-PEG antibodies with an inhibitory capacity have never been demonstrated in patients treated with PEGylated rFVIII products. ObjectivesTo routinely switch from standard half-life to PEGylated extended half-life rFVIII products in patients with hemophilia A. MethodsFrom December 2022 until May 2023, 83 adults with hemophilia A attending Oslo Haemophilia Comprehensive Care Centre received a test dose with a PEGylated rFVIII product to switch treatment. Four patients presented with decreased recovery without the presence of an FVIII inhibitor. Accordingly, we performed a variant inhibitor test utilizing different rFVIII concentrates as a source of FVIII and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to search for anti-PEG antibodies. ResultsWe found inhibitory anti-PEG/anti-PEGylated rFVIII antibodies in 4 patients (5%), both persistent and transient, explaining the impaired recovery. The patients had neutralizing anti-PEG antibodies prior to the first dosing of PEGylated rFVIII. We demonstrated neutralizing antibodies (mainly immunoglobuline G) specific for PEG and all 3 commercially available PEGylated rFVIII products. ConclusionThe number of patients with inhibitory anti-PEG antibodies was significant, and the presence of inhibitors against PEGylated rFVIII emphasizes the importance of individual monitoring when switching FVIII concentrates to ensure safety and efficacy of the treatment.

Impact of first COVID-19 lockdown on paediatric and adult haemophilia patients treated in a French Haemophilia Comprehensive Care Centre.

IntroductionThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has created an unprecedented global health crisis.AimTo investigate the impact of the 1st COVID‐19 lockdown on haemophilia patients in terms of symptoms, management, medication adherence, mental health and lifestyle behaviours.MethodsA prospective cross‐sectional phone survey using a two‐part questionnaire was conducted in haemophilia patients (adults and children) followed‐up in a French Haemophilia Comprehensive Care Centre between May 5, 2020 and June 2, 2020 (CLEO CD study: NCT04390126).ResultsAmong 284 haemophilia A or B patients with FVIII or FIX < 40% contacted for the study, 239 (84%) including 183 adults and 56 children participated to the survey. In 81% of children and 78% of adults, bleeding episodes remained unchanged or decreased. Medication adherence was 82.0% in adults and 98.2% in children. Non‐adherence concerned haemostatic agents in six patients and analgesics in three. Overall, 67% of adults and 71% of children felt as good as before lockdown. In both adults and children, the three major changes in lifestyle behaviours were: increase in screen time (49% and 57%), decrease in physical activity (43% and 48%), and weight gain (32% and 27%), respectively.ConclusionsEncouraging results were observed in terms of haemophilia symptoms, medication adherence, and mental health. Conversely, a negative impact was observed on lifestyle behaviours in a cohort of French haemophilia patients during the 1st lockdown.

Coordinating physiotherapy care for persons with haemophilia.

IntroductionPhysiotherapy is highly recommended for persons with haemophilia (PWH), to regain functioning after bleeding and to maintain functioning when dealing with haemophilic arthropathy. However, many PWH live too far from their Haemophilia Comprehensive Care Centre (HCCC) to receive regular treatment at their HCCC. Physiotherapists in primary care may have limited experience with a rare disease like haemophilia.AimTo explore experiences of stakeholders with primary care physiotherapy for PWH and develop recommendations to optimize physiotherapy care coordination.MethodsA RAND approach was used, consisting of a Delphi procedure with e‐mailed questionnaires and a consensus meeting. Included stakeholders were PWH, physiotherapists from HCCC's and primary care physiotherapists. HCCC physiotherapists approached patients from their centre and primary care physiotherapists from their network to fill in the questionnaires. Purposive sampling was used to select participants from the survey sample for the consensus meeting.ResultsNinety‐six primary care physiotherapists, 54 PWH and eight HCCC physiotherapists completed the questionnaire. Subsequently, four PWH, three primary care physiotherapists and four HCCC physiotherapists participated in the consensus meeting. The questionnaires yielded 33 recommendations, merged into a final list of 20 recommendations based on the consensus meeting. The final rank‐order consists of 13 recommendations prioritized by at least one stakeholder.ConclusionCommitment to a formal network is considered not feasible for a rare disease like haemophilia. Development of a practice guideline, easy‐accessible information and contact details, two‐way and open communication between HCCC and primary care and criteria to refer back to the HCCC are recommended.

Telehealth for delivery of haemophilia comprehensive care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

IntroductionThe COVID‐19 pandemic caused an unprecedented impact to haemophilia healthcare delivery. In particular, rapid implementation of telehealth solutions was required to ensure continued access to comprehensive care.AimsTo explore patient and healthcare provider (HCP) experience of telehealth in a European Haemophilia Comprehensive Care Centre.MethodA systematic evaluation was performed to survey patient and HCP experience and compare clinical activity levels with telehealth to in‐person attendances.ResultsPublic health measures implemented in March 2020 to reduce COVID‐19 spread resulted in a 63% decrease in medical/nursing clinic consultation activity compared to the same period in 2019. Implementation of digital care pathways resulted in marked increase in activity (52% greater than 2019). Importantly, enhanced patient engagement was noted, with a 60% reduction in non‐attendance rates. Survey of patients who had participated in medical/nursing teleconsultations demonstrated that teleconsultations improved access (79%), reduced inconvenience (82%), was easy to use (94%) and facilitated good communication with the HCP (97%). A survey exploring the telemedicine experience of HCPs, illustrated that HCPs were satisfied with teleconsultation and the majority (79%) would like to continue to offer teleconsultation as part of routine patient care. In addition to medical/nursing reviews, continued access to physiotherapy with virtual exercise classes for people with haemophilia and teleconsultation for acute dental issues was equally successful.ConclusionDuring an unprecedented public health emergency, telehealth has enabled continued access to specialized haemophilia comprehensive care. Our novel findings show that this alternative is acceptable to both patients and HCPs and offers future novel opportunities.

A single centre retrospective study of low dose prophylaxis with extended half-life factor IX for severe haemophilia B.

Extended half-life factor IX concentrates (EHL-FIX) can be administered weekly to prevent bleeding for persons with severe haemophilia B. We report the experience of a large UK haemophilia comprehensive care centre using low dose EHL-FIX for persons with severe haemophilia B. The low doses used in real world are approximately half of the doses used in clinical trials. We aim to assess the efficacy and safety of low dose EHL-FIX. Data from a cohort of 13 patients who were switched from standard half-life factor IX (SHL-FIX) to Alprolix® (mean dose 31.5IU/kg) and seven patients who switched from standard half-life factor IX to Idelvion® (mean dose 20.2IU/kg) were included. The median annualized bleeding rate was similar for SHL-FIX (median 3, interquartile range [IQR] 1-5) and EHL-FIX (median 3, IQR 1-5.25). Quality of life scores, measured using the European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions assessment were similar for SHL-FIX (median 0.76, IQR: 0.63-0.84) and EHL-FIX (median 0.79, IQR: 0.58-0.88). This study shows that EHL-FIX given at low doses can be effective for prevention of bleeding for persons with severe haemophilia B.

Seroprevalence of Pre-Existing Nabs Against AAV1, 2, 5, 6 and 8 in South African Hemophilia B Patient Population

Introduction Several studies have shown that the induction of antibodies by natural exposure to various AAV serotypes can compromise the subsequent use of AAV as a gene therapy vector, limiting patient eligibility for AAV-delivered therapeutics. The implications of pre-existing antibodies to AAV serotypes are very different: Levels of anti-AAV2 or anti-AAV8 neutralizing antibodies (NABs) as low as 5 have been related to a decrease or even total impairment of AAV liver transduction after systemic delivery in humans. However, successful gene transfer has been reported in patients with anti-AAV5 NABs titers up to 340 and in non-human primates with titers up to 1030. Extensive surveys on the prevalence of anti-AAV antibodies in humans have been published. Results from these studies indicate that prevalence varies dependent on serotype, and that a significant proportion of individuals develop humoral immunity against various AAV serotypes early in life, starting around 2 years of age. Furthermore, the prevalence of antibodies to different AAV serotypes has been reported to vary according to geographical location. Study Objective We performed a NABs seroprevalence study in South African hemophilia B patient population (n=44) using a panel of AAV serotypes suitable for liver targeted therapy, to determine the AAV serotypes likely to be of greatest clinical applicability for the South African hemophilia B population. Methods Forty-four hemophilia B patient serum samples were obtained from Hemophilia Comprehensive Care Center in Johannesburg (South Africa). All the patient serum samples were analyzed for the presence of NABs against AAV serotypes 1, 2, 5, 6 and 8 with the use of highly sensitive luciferase-based bioassays. The assays entail incubation of the test serum samples dilution series with an AAV1, 2, 5, 6 or 8-based reporter vector that carries the luciferase gene. This incubation allows neutralizing antibodies in the test serum to bind to the reporter vector particles. These mixtures are subsequently transferred onto Hek293T cells, where reporter vector particles can transduce cells and mediate expression of luciferase. Anti-AAV1, 2, 5, 6 or 8 NABs titers were determined by calculation of the percentage of neutralization for each sample dilution and fitting the neutralization curve with a four-parameter method. Anti-AAV1, 2, 5, 6 or 8 NABs titer (IC50) is the dilution at which antibodies inhibit Hek293T cell transduction with AAV1, 2, 5, 6 or 8-LUC by 50%. The lowest patient serum dilution used in every assay was 8 and samples were considered positive when calculated anti-AAV NAB titer was ≥8. All analytical runs included proper negative and positive controls. Results and Discussion The presence of NABs against the AAV serotypes 1, 2, 5, 6 and 8 was determined in the serum of the hemophilia B patients (Fig. 1). The highest prevalence of NABs was found to be against the AAV2 serotype, 95% (n=42/44) followed by the AAV6 serotype, 82% (n=36/44), and the AAV1 serotype 77% (n=34/44). The prevalence of NABs against AAV5 and AAV8 was lower with 66% (n=29/44) for AAV5 and 64% (n=28/44) for AAV8. The serum samples positive for anti-AAV2 NABs had a high occurrence of titers above 1030 (39%) in comparison to anti-AAV1 NABs (20%), anti-AAV5 NABs (5%) or anti-AAV8 NABs (7%).The occurrence of samples with low titers (ranging from titer of 8 to titer of 50) was the highest for anti-AAV8 NABs (32%) and for anti-AAV5 NABs (27%), followed by anti-AAV2 (18%) and anti-AAV1 (5%) (Fig.1). Currently, an anti-AAV NABs titer of 5 is used as an exclusion criteria in most of the systemic AAV-based gene therapies. When applying a similar cut-off of 8, 23% of the analyzed patients could be treated with AAV1, 5% with AAV2, 34% with AAV5, 18% with AAV6 and 36% with AAV8-based therapeutics (Fig.2). However, we have previously reported that AAV5-neutralizing antibodies do not impair the efficacy of in vivo transduction of AAV5-based vector up to a measured titer of 340 in humans and 1030 in non-human primates. Therefore, applying the cut-off of 340 or 1030, either 84% or 95% of the South African Hemophilia B patients could benefit from treatment with AAV5-based gene therapy (Fig.2). Disclosures Majowicz: uniQure N.V.: Employment. van Waes:uniQure N.V.: Employment. Timmer:uniQure N.V.: Employment. van Deventer:uniQure Biopharma B.V.: Employment. Mahlangu:Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; LFB: Consultancy; NovoNordisk: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Roche: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Baxalta: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Freeline Therapeutics: Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Spark: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Chugai: Consultancy; Biomarin: Research Funding; CSL Behring: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Research Funding; Sanofi Genzyme: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Shire: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Sobi: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; uniQure: Research Funding; World Federation of Haemophilia: Speakers Bureau. Ferreira:uniQure N.V.: Employment.

Physiotherapy outcome measures of haemophilia acute bleed episodes: What matters to patients?

The research was conducted at a UK teaching hospital and Haemophilia Comprehensive Care Centre (CCC) as part of a research programme investigating physiotherapy for acute bleed management. The aim of the study was to understand the perspectives of people with haemophilia (PWH) on validated outcome measures (OM) and whether these measures capture changes relevant to them whilst recovering from an acute bleed episode. Any person with haemophilia registered to the CCC who reported an acute bleed within the past 2years was invited to participate. Semi-structured interviews or workshops (activity-focused discussions with small groups) were conducted with PWH who had received physiotherapy treatment in the previous two years. These were used to explore opinions of PWH of commonly used outcome measures. Eight male PWH participated, mean age 61years, ranging between 39 and 71. Seven participants had severe haemophilia A and 1 had von Willebrands. Participants described numerical rating scales of pain as abstract and expressed a preference for verbal or visual descriptors. In relation to function, the men generally found haemophilia-specific OM to be more relevant. The EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ5D-5L) and Haemophilia and Exercise Project Test Questionnaire (HEP-Test-Q) were considered as good measures due to brevity and ability to capture relevant changes promptly. Participants in this study reported a preference for short OMs that allow them to reference their ability during the acute bleed episode in comparison with their normal function.

Long-term results of total knee arthroplasty in hemophilic arthropathy.

Knee arthropathy is a frequent complication affecting hemophilic patients, which can cause severe pain and disability. When conservative measures fail, total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may be performed. Eighteen TKA were performed in 15 patients with hemophilia during a 24-year period in a Hemophilia Comprehensive Care Center. All patients were evaluated by a multidisciplinary team constituted by a hematologist, an orthopedic surgeon, and a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician. Mean follow-up was 11.3 years. Ten-year survival rate with prosthesis removal as end point was 94.3%. At last, follow-up visual analog pain scale score was 3.2 points, knee osteoarthritis outcome scale was 86.7 points, and mean range of motion was 88°. Only two patients required perioperative transfusion. Complication rate was 27.8% and included two infections, two prosthesis stiffness, and one case of recurrent hemarthrosis. After appropriate medical optimization and with prompt rehabilitation, TKA can be performed in hemophilic patients with good clinical results and survivor rates comparable to nonhemophilic patients.

The Relationship between Thrombin Generation Assay and FVIII Levels in Patients with Mild to Moderate Haemophilia (A)

IntroductionHaemophilia A (HA) phenotypes (mild, moderate and severe) are based on the baseline FVIII levels, however considerable variation in the bleeding phenotype exists between patients with similar FVIII level. Moreover, approximately 40% of patients with mild HA have large discrepancies between FVIII measured by one stage (FVIII:C1) and two stage methods (FVIII:Chr2) and it is unclear which method correlates best with in vivo FVIII function and bleeding phenotype. The Thrombin Generation assay (TGA), a global measure of haemostasis may be a better predictor of bleeding phenotype but pre-analytical factors such as contact activation can confound the results. Choice of initiating conditions may also be critical in determining sensitivity: recent studies have suggested that initiation with FIXa rather than tissue factor (TF) in detecting low levels of FVIII:C in severe HA, however its utility in mild to moderate HA patients has yet to be determined.The aim of this study is to establish the relationship between FVIII:C and TGA and the influence of contact factor activation in TF and FIXa triggered TGA in patients with mild to moderate HA.MethodsThis is a prospective cohort study. Patients aged >18 with known congenital HA and FVIII:C 0.01- 0.2 iu/ml were recruited from 3 Haemophilia Comprehensive Care Centres in London. Peripheral blood was drawn into citrate Vacutainer tubes containing 0.106M trisodium citrate (1:9 volume) and Vacutainer tubes preloaded with CTI (50µg/ml). Samples underwent double centrifugation (2500g) to obtain platelet free plasma. Thrombin generation assay, using a standard calibrated automated thrombogram was triggered with either TF (1pmol) or FIXa (5nM). Factor FVIII levels were assessed by one stage APTT based (FVIII:C1) and two stage chromogenic (FVIII:Chr2) methods. Mutation analysis was carried out in all patients.Results40 patients were recruited in the study. Five patients (13%) had standard FVIII discrepancy (FVIII:C1/FVIII:Chr2>1.5) with 4 different FVIII mutations located on the inter-domain surface of the A2 domain (p.Tyr683Ser, p.Arg550Cys, p.Gly498Arg, p.MET681.Le). One patient had reverse FVIII discrepancy.In TF triggered TGA, the presence of CTI resulted in significant reduction in mean ETP (nmol .min)(455. vs 278, p<0.01, 95% CI 104-243), mean Peak thrombin (nM) (37.81 vs 16.54, t(6.6) p<0.01 95%CI 14.7-27.3), and mean Velindex (nM/min) (4.86 vs 1.29 t(7.0), p<0.01, 95% CI2.3-4.19) and a longer mean ttPeak (min) (14.26 vs 16.22, t(-3.2) p=0.02 95% CI-3.1- -0.76). In contrast, the presence of CTI did not affect ETP (1143 vs 1042, p=0.19 95% CI -54-256), mean Peak thrombin (252 vs 251, p=0.6 95%CI 27-46) or Velindex (118.54 vs 119.15 p= 0.95, 95%CI -23-12.9) in FIXa triggered TGA.There was a good correlation between FVIII:Chr2 and ETP (r=0.56, p=<0.001) Peak (r=0.6, p=<0.001) and Velindex (r=0.7, p=<0.001) in TF(CTI-) triggered TGA, however no relationship was seen between FVIII:C and TG parameters (ETP r=-0.01 p=0.9, Peak r=-0.003, p=0.97 and Velindex r=0.018, p=0.9) in TF(CTI+) triggered TGA. In both FIXa(CTI-) and FIXa (CTI+) triggered TGA, there was a good correlation seen between Lagtime (r=-0.6 p=<0.01), Peak (r=0.4-0.6, p=<0.01) ttpeak (r= -0.6, p=<0.01) and Velindex (r=0.69 <0.01) with FVIII:Chr2 but not with ETP.In patients with standard FVIII discrepancy (n=5), their ETP and Peak levels in TF and FIXa triggered TGA were in keeping with the ETP and Peak levels of non-discrepant patients with similar FVIII:C2 and significantly lower than that of non-discrepant patients with similar FVIII:C1.ConclusionsOur study confirms that at low TF triggered TG, contact factor activation in vitro is an important preanalytical variable. Curiously any TG correlation with FVIII level is lost once the contact pathway is inhibited suggesting that TG remains largely determined by the extrinsic pathway in this system. In contrast, factor FIXa triggered TG is unaffected by inhibition of contact activation and demonstrates a good correlation to FVIII:C with or without CTI. This can be explained by suggesting that the supply of FIXa negates any effect of XIa from contact activation and that TG by this route is more completely dependent on FVIII. Therefore a FIXa triggered TGA may offer a better alternative in the assessment of haemophilia and further studies are underway to determine whether this is a better predictor of bleeding phenotypes. [Display omitted] DisclosuresLuo:Pfizer: Research Funding. Austin:Pfizer: Research Funding. Laffan:Pfizer: Honoraria; Roche: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau.

Male gender, school attendance and sports participation are positively associated with health-related quality of life in children and adolescents with congenital bleeding disorders.

This study assesses health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and variables associated with HRQOL, in children and adolescents with haemophilia and congenital bleeding disorders (CBD) in the Netherlands. Patients <18years with CBD under treatment at the Hemophilia Comprehensive Care Center of the Academic Medical Center were included. Participants completed generic HRQOL questionnaires (TAPQOL 0-5years; PedsQL 6-18years). Differences and effect sizes in HRQOL compared to healthy peers, and between hemophilia severity groups, were tested using Mann Whitney U-tests. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to assess variables associated with HRQOL. Data of 145 patients (81%) were analyzed (N=32 with severe haemophilia). Children (0-12 years) show no significant impairments in HRQOL compared to healthy peers. Adolescent boys (13-18 years) with CBD report a slightly higher HRQOL on the total and emotional functioning scales than healthy peers (small-moderate effect sizes). In contrast, adolescent girls experience lower HRQOL on total, social functioning and psychosocial health scales compared to healthy peers (moderate effect sizes). No differences between severity groups were found in HRQOL, but more problem behaviour was found in young boys (0-5 years) with severe haemophilia. Male gender, participation in sports and school attendance are positively associated with HRQOL. Parental country of birth, type of treatment and number of bleeds are not associated with HRQOL. Continuing monitoring HRQOL in daily clinical practice for children with CBD is important, since possible influencing psychosocial factors can change over time, with special focus on adolescent girls, sports participation and school absence.

Effectiveness of two psychological interventions for pain management, emotional regulation and promotion of quality of life among adult Portuguese men with haemophilia (PSY-HaEMOPEQ): study protocol for a single-centre prospective randomised controlled trial

IntroductionHaemophilia is a bleeding disorder associated with significant pain, emotional distress, quality of life (QoL) impairment and considerable healthcare costs. Psychosocial health and effective pain management are considered essential end...

Kreuth IV: European consensus proposals for treatment of haemophilia with coagulation factor concentrates.

This report summarizes recommendations relating to haemophilia therapy arising from discussions among experts from 36 European countries during the 'Kreuth IV' meeting in May 2016. The objective of the meeting was for experts in the field of haemophilia from across Europe to draft resolutions regarding current issues relating to the treatment of haemophilia. Hospitals providing clinical care for people with haemophilia and related disorders are strongly recommended to seek formal designation as either European Haemophilia Treatment Centres (EHTC) or European Haemophilia Comprehensive Care Centres (EHCCC). There should be agreed national protocols or guidelines on management of the ageing patient with haemophilia. The minimum consumption of factor VIII and IX concentrate in any country should be 4 IU and 0.5 IU per capita of general population respectively. Treatment for hepatitis C with direct-acting antiviral agents should be provided to all people with haemophilia on a priority basis. Genotype analysis should be offered to all patients with severe haemophilia. Genetic counselling, when given, should encompass the recommendation that genetic relatives of the affected person be advised to seek genetic counselling. People with inhibitors should have access to bypassing agents, immune tolerance and elective surgery. National or regional tenders for factor concentrates are encouraged. Outcome data including health related quality of life should be collected. Treatment with extended half-life factors should be individualized and protection against bleeding should be improved by increasing trough levels. Steps should be taken to understand and minimize the risk of inhibitor development. It is hoped that these recommendations will help to foster equity of haemophilia care throughout Europe.

Iranian Low-dose Escalating Prophylaxis Regimen in Children with Severe Hemophilia A and B.

Establishing an appropriate prophylaxis regimen for children with hemophilia is a critical challenge in developing countries. Barriers including availability and affordability, catheter-related complications, and inhibitor development risks have led to the introduction of new tailored prophylaxis regimens in different countries. This study emphasizes on the benefits of the Iranian low-dose escalating prophylaxis regimen in a Hemophilia Comprehensive Care Center in Iran. Referred patients with hemophilia less than 15 years of age, who were subject to prophylaxis regimen, are studied retrospectively. A once-weekly prophylaxis regimen of 25 IU/kg was started for the patients primarily. Their prophylaxis regimen was changed to 25 IU/kg twice a week and then 3 times a week when they experienced 3 joint bleedings, 4 soft tissue bleedings, or a 1 life-threatening bleed without a specific trauma history. Overall, 25 patients with severe hemophilia and at least 6-month history of on-demand (OD) treatment were studied. A mean of 1754 IU/kg/yr of coagulation factors, used for OD and prophylaxis purposes, was sufficient to decrease the mean annual bleeding rate (ABR) to 1.86 after prophylaxis. It also reduced the mean hospitalization days and the mean number of target joints to 0.24 and 0.16, respectively. Overall, 19 (76%) patients were continuing their once-weekly regimen at the end of the follow-up. None of the patients needed 3-times-a-week regimen or central venous catheterization and none developed inhibitors in the follow-up. Benefits of the Iranian low-dose escalating prophylaxis regimen prove equal to some of the previous 3-times-a-week prophylaxis regimens in reducing the ABR and hospitalizations.