Search

Some clinicians believe that haemophilia B is associated with less bleeding than haemophilia A, yet there appears to be little difference in health-related outcomes. Current clinical practice reduces the risk of bleeds, making differences difficult to measure. We surveyed specialist haemophilia nurses to discern their opinions about the impact of haemophilia B compared to haemophilia A.

Introduction: Managing bleeding disorders (BDs) is complex, requiring a comprehensive approach coordinated by a multidisciplinary team (MDT). Haemophilia nurses (HNs) play a central role in the MDT, frequently coordinating care. As novel treatments bring change to the treatment landscape, ongoing education and development is key. However, understanding of the roles and tasks of HNs is lacking. Aim: The EAHAD Nurses Committee sought to identify and describe the roles and tasks of the European HN. Methods: A five‐step integrative review was undertaken, including problem identification, literature search, data evaluation, data synthesis and presentation. Relevant literature published from 2000 to 2022 was identified through database, hand and ancestry searching. Data were captured using extraction forms and thematically analysed. Results: Seven hundred and seventy‐seven articles were identified; 43 were included. Five main roles were identified, with varied and overlapping associated tasks: Educator, Coordinator, Supporter, Treater and Researcher. Tasks related to education, coordination and support were most frequently described. Patient education was often 'nurse‐led', though education and coordination roles concerned both patients and health care practitioners (HCPs), within and beyond the MDT. The HN coordinates care and facilitates communication. Long‐term patient care relationships place HNs in a unique position to provide support. Guidelines for HN core competencies have been developed in some countries, but autonomy and practice vary. Conclusion: As the treatment landscape changes, all five main HN roles will be impacted. Despite national variations, this review provides a baseline to anticipate educational needs to enable HNs to continue to fulfil their role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Switching between clotting factor products is becoming increasingly common as product choice increases and financial pressure grows to choose the most cost-effective options. Guidance on carrying out the switch recommends a complex and long process that may benefit from being defined in a protocol. Haemophilia nurses may be responsible for managing product switches; anecdotal evidence suggests that clinical practice is variable.

Introduction: Non‐severe haemophilia A patient can be treated with desmopressin or factor VIII (FVIII) concentrate. Combining both may reduce factor consumption, but its feasibility and safety has never been investigated. Aim: We assessed the feasibility and safety of combination treatment in nonsevere haemophilia A patients. Methods: Non‐severe, desmopressin responsive, haemophilia A patients were included in one of two studies investigating peri‐operative combination treatment. In the single‐arm DAVID study intravenous desmopressin (0.3 μg/kg) once‐a‐day was, after sampling, immediately followed by PK‐guided FVIII concentrate, for maximally three consecutive days. The Little DAVID study was a randomized trial in patients undergoing a minor medical procedure, whom received either PK‐guided combination treatment (intervention arm) or PK‐guided FVIII concentrate only (standard arm) up to 2 days. Dose predictions were considered accurate if the absolute difference between predicted and measured FVIII:C was ≤0.2 IU/mL. Results: In total 32 patients (33 procedures) were included. In the DAVID study (n = 21), of the FVIII:C trough levels 73.7% (14/19) were predicted accurately on day 1 (D1), 76.5% (13/17) on D2. On D0, 61.9% (13/21) of peak FVIII:C levels predictions were accurate. In the Little DAVID study (n = 12), on D0 83.3% (5/6) FVIII:C peak levels for both study arms were predicted accurately. Combination treatment reduced preoperative FVIII concentrate use by 47% versus FVIII monotherapy. Desmopressin side effects were mild and transient. Two bleeds occurred, both despite FVIII:C > 1.00 IU/mL. Conclusion: Peri‐operative combination treatment with desmopressin and PK‐guided FVIII concentrate dosing in nonsevere haemophilia A is feasible, safe and reduces FVIII consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital platelet disorders (CPDs) are rare bleeding disorders that are associated with mucocutaneous bleeds. However, data on vaginal bleeding in women with CPDs are scarce. A set of generic and bleeding-specific questionnaires were used to evaluate the prevalence of vaginal bleeding, its impact on quality of life (QoL) and sexual functioning and the consequences for pregnancy, miscarriage and delivery in a cohort of women who were referred for diagnostic evaluation for CPDs. A total of 78 women included in the study were either diagnosed with a CPD (n = 35) or were clinically suspected of a CPD (n = 43). Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) was reported by a large proportion of women, which mainly started at menarche. In all, 76% of women received any kind of HMB treatment, often leading to surgical prodecures. HMB was shown to have a high impact on QoL, which improved upon treatment. Even though women reported that vaginal bleeding affects sexuality, this topic is not frequently discussed with physicians. Heavy blood loss frequently occurred after miscarriage/delivery, often requiring treatment. Women with (suspected) CPDs frequently encounter HMB, negatively impacting daily life and sexual functioning. Together with peripartum bleeding, these data highlight the burden of vaginal bleeding in CPDs and importance of adequate treatment., (© 2021 The Authors. British Journal of Haematology published by British Society for Haematology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)