Search

This case–control study investigated the interactions between genetic and environmental factors and inhibitor development in 108 children with haemophilia A exclusively treated with recombinant factor VIII (FVIII). Sixty patients with inhibitors were compared with 48 inhibitor-free controls. Family history of inhibitors and null mutations in the FVIII gene were more prevalent in cases than in controls (20% vs. 2%, P = 0·001 and 83% vs. 64%, P = 0·04, respectively). On the other hand, there was no difference between cases and controls for such putative risk factors of inhibitor development as amniocentesis/villocentesis, premature/caesarean birth, breast-feeding, treatment during infections/vaccinations, surgical procedures and central nervous system bleeding. A trend was found for an increased risk of inhibitor development in children first treated at a young age (<11 months); however, this was not confirmed after adjusting for genetic factors. The implementation of prophylaxis was evaluated as a putative risk factor in a subgroup of 25 cases: seven who started prophylaxis prior to inhibitor development and 18 potentially eligible for prophylaxis because they were inhibitor-free up to the age of 35 months (i.e. the upper limit of the age range at prophylaxis onset in cases and the median age at prophylaxis onset in controls). Patients who started prophylaxis had a lower inhibitor risk than those treated on demand (adjusted odds ratio 0·2, 95% confidence interval 0·06–0·9). The protective effect on inhibitor development shown by prophylaxis may represent an additional advantage prompting its use in haemophilic children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Although synovitis is recognized as a marker of joint disease activity, its periodic assessment is not included in routine clinical surveillance of patients with haemophilia (PwH). In order to evaluate the current knowledge and to identify controversial issues, a preliminary literature search by the Musculoskeletal Committee of the Italian Association of Haemophilia Centres (AICE) has been conducted. Statements have been established and sent to the Italian AICE members to collect their level of agreement or disagreement by a Delphi process. Thirty‐seven consensus recommendations have been drafted. We found a general agreement on the indication to consider the presence of synovitis as a marker of joint disease activity in PwH. Accordingly, there was agreement on the indication to search for synovitis both in patients reporting joint pain and in asymptomatic ones, recognizing ultrasound as the most practical imaging technique to perform periodic joint screening. Interestingly, after detection of synovitis, there was agreement on the indication to modify the therapeutic approach, suggesting prophylaxis in patients treated on demand and tailoring treatment in patients already under prophylaxis. Whereas the need of an early consultation with a physiotherapist is recommended for PwH affected by chronic synovitis, the exact timing for an orthopaedic surgeon consultation is currently unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which aimed to assess dosage, duration of treatment, as well as the effectiveness and safety of activated prothrombin complex concentrate (aPCC) in patients with Acquired haemophilia A (AHA), a rare bleeding disorder caused by the spontaneous development of auto-antibodies against coagulation factor VIII. Statistical analysis showed results that may be useful in clinical practice, but controlled trials needed to confirm the data obtained.