Pitfalls in the diagnosis of hemophilia severity: What to do?

Measurements of factor VIII coagulation activity (FVIII:C) may vary and result in misclassification of hemophilia A with delay in initiation of prophylactic treatment. We describe two young brothers who were diagnosed as moderate hemophilia patients and therefore not prophylactically treated with factor VIII concentrate despite frequent bleeding events. These findings emphasize the importance of (i) multiple measurements of FVIII:C by certified laboratories, (ii) adjustment of treatment when test results do not correspond to clinical symptoms, (iii) relevance of additional DNA mutation analysis in patients with hemophilia A, and (iv) treatment in centers with expertise.     

Studies on factor VIII activation potential in hemophilia A-plasma and its significance for the comprehension of hemophilia

In a factor VIII exchange test experiment higher factor VIII activities are measurable than would be expected from the single activities of the used plasmas. The same goes for the use of plasmas from carriers of hemophilia A, but not for plasmas from patients with v. W.J.S. (von-Willebrand Jürgens syndrome). In plasmas from hemophilic adults activation obviously proceeds at a slower rate than in plasmas from hemophilic children.The experimental results lead to the hypothesis that factor VIII for its activation needs a specific activator or activator system. This process can be stopped by natural inhibitors.Contrary to existing opinion, the coagulation defect of hemophilia A is not to be sought in an inability to be activated or even in absence of factor VIII, but in a previous step, in its activator. This activator is absent or defective. In patients with v.W.J.S. disease the activator or activator system is intact, but factor VIII is missing.The experiments were carried out with support from the Firm Immuno, Heidelberg.     

Use of FEIBA for invasive or surgical procedures in patients with severe hemophilia A or B with inhibitors

Achieving hemostasis in patients with hemophilia A or B is complicated by the presence of inhibitors and is made even more difficult when these individuals require surgery. Over a 4-year period, 6 patients with inhibitors to factor VIII and 1 patient with inhibitors to factor IX underwent surgery or invasive procedures at our institution. A total of 26 procedures were performed, primarily using the bypassing agent FEIBA for bleeding control. Excellent hemostasis was obtained in all cases, adding to accumulating data indicating that FEIBA is safe and effective in hemophilia patients with inhibitors who require surgery.     

Neurological complications in hemophilia

The clinical data of 59 patients with hemophilia A or B are reviewed. Intracranial bleeding was observed in 6 patients and a minor bleeding episode was assumed in a further 8 patients. Neurosurgical evacuation of the hematoma was necessary in 2 cases and the remaining patients were treated solely with factor VIII or IX. In 10 patients a peripheral nerve lesion was observed, paresis of the femoral nerve being the most frequent (5 cases). Two patients showed a lesion of the lumbar and sacral plexus, 2 patients a lesion of the radial nerve and one patient a lesion of the cutaneous femoris lateralis nerve.     

Disseminated intravascular coagulation masking neonatal hemophilia

Most infants with hemophilia have no bleeding in the neonatal period even if birth trauma occurs. The explanation for this lack of bleeding in the first few days of life in most hemophiliacs is unknown. Maternal factors VIII and IX fail to cross the placenta and cannot, therefore, protect the neonate. There have, however, been an increasing number of reports of severe neonatal bleeding in hemophiliac neonates. Herein, a case of severe neonatal bleeding responsible for hypovolemic shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation masking the hemophilia and delaying its diagnosis is reported. Transfusion of twice the total globular mass and exchange-transfusion were required. Hemorrhagic gastric necrosis occurred, requiring subtotal gastrectomy. The diagnosis of severe hemophilia A (factor VIII = 1%) was established only at 17 days of age. At the age of five months, the child developed a dumping syndrome which improved under appropriate dietary therapy and finally resolved. Outcome was favorable and at the evaluation at two years of age the child was leading a normal life. This case underlines the difficulty of the diagnosis of hemophilia at birth. When there is no family history of bleeding, the diagnosis of hemophilia is usually missed in the neonatal period and established only later or retrospectively. Factors VIII and IX should consequently be measured in male neonates with unusual bleeding and an increased activated partial thromboplastin time, even if disseminated intravascular coagulation is present. Prompt diagnosis and initiation of specific therapy may lessen acute morbidity and prevent long-term sequelae in affected infants.     

Risk of Bleeding and Inhibitor Development After Circumcision of Previously Untreated or Minimally Treated Severe Hemophilia A Children

Background: Surgery and intensive factor VIII (FVIII) replacement may be risk factors for development of inhibitors. Objective: To evaluate time and rate of inhibitor development postcircumcision over 12-month period, and to assess bleeding of children with severe hemophilia A after low-dose FVIII replacement and local hemostasis. Patients and Methods: Sixty-one previously untreated patients (PUPs) or minimally treated patients (MTPs) with severe hemophilia A less than 36 months were enrolled; 25 underwent circumcision during the 18-month enrollment period, and 36 matched patients were not circumcised. All patients were treated on demand with plasma-derived FVIII, and all were inhibitor negative at the time of enrollment. Intron 22 inversion was analyzed. A potent hemostatic agent (gelatin sponge) was applied on the site of surgery, and then dressed with gauze. Two doses of FVIII concentrate (25 U/kg) were given, 1 hour before circumcision and 1 hour before removal of dressing. The inhibitor was determined every 8 exposure days (EDs). Results: None of the patients had bleeding or infection, except one who had minimal transient bleeding 8 days after surgery, and was treated easily by a single dose of FVIII (50 U/kg). After a median of 16 EDs, high-titer inhibitors developed in seven patients: three patients in the circumcised group (12%) in contrast to four patients (11.1%) in the noncircumcised group. Conclusion: Two doses factor concentrate and gelatin sponge application were generally enough to prevent bleeding after circumcision of severe hemophilia A. Circumcision and low-dose FVIII protocol were not an additional risk for development of high-titer inhibitor.     

Balancing anticoagulation and hemostasis in an infant with severe hemophilia A during cardiac transplantation: Review of the literature and development of a surgical protocol

Hemophilia A is a disorder resulting in a deficiency of clotting factor VIII that can lead to life-threatening bleeding. Evidence-based guidelines for surgical interventions like cardiac surgery are limited. Anticoagulation is necessary for cardiac bypass, thus risk of bleeding in a patient with hemophilia is increased and requires careful attention to maintain hemostasis. We report the first infant with severe hemophilia A and dilated cardiomyopathy who underwent successful cardiac transplantation, and review the literature on previous cardiac transplant cases in congenital hemophilia. To ensure safe and effective management, a multidisciplinary approach was used to develop the surgical protocol for transplant.     

NEUROLOGICAL COMPLICATIONS IN HEMOPHILIA

ABSTRACT. Lütschg, J. and Vassella, F. (Department of Child Neurology, University Children's Hospital, Berne, Switzerland) Neurological Complications in Hemophilia. Acta Paediatr Scand, 70:235, 1981. –The clinical data of 59 patients with hemophilia A or B are reviewed. Intracranial bleeding was observed in 6 patients and a minor bleeding episode was assumed in a further 8 patients. Neurosurgical evacuation of the hematoma was necessary in 2 cases and the remaining patients were treated solely with factor VIII or IX. In 10 patients a peripheral nerve lesion was observed, paresis of the femoral nerve being the most frequent (5 cases). Two patients showed a lesion of the lumbar and sacral plexus, 2 patients a lesion of the radial nerve and one patient a lesion of the cutaneous femoris lateralis nerve.     

A Case of Concurrent Proteus Syndrome and Hemophilia A

Background

Proteus syndrome is a very rare condition with less than 100 confirmed cases reported worldwide. We report a case of Proteus syndrome in a two-year-old male who has hemophilia A comorbidity.

Case Presentation

A two-year-old male patient was admitted with the chief complaint of severe bleeding in mouth cavity after trauma for two weeks. At admission he was found to have petechiae on buccal mucosa and fecal discoloration due to GI bleeding. We noted multiple abnormalities in his musculoskeletal system and skin. He had lymph edema in left leg, hemihypertrophy, macrodactyly in both foots and macrocephaly. With the history of severe bleeding and recurrent blood product transfusion, we suspected a hemorrhagic disorder. The reduced level of Factor VIII activity confirmed the diagnosis of hemophilia A. Considering patient''s various musculoskeletal abnormalities according to the diagnostic criteria and after ruling out similar disorders the diagnosis of Proteus syndrome was established.

Conclusion

Because of the variability of clinical features, Proteus syndrome can be confused with other disorders of multiple tissue overgrowth. Our case of Proteus syndrome, who had hemophilia A comorbidity outlines the challenges in diagnosis of such rare combination of diseases.     

Gingival bleeding, epistaxis and haematoma three days after gastroenteritis: the haemorrhagic lupus anticoagulant syndrome

A 3 year and 9 month-old girl presented with gingival bleeding, epistaxis, and multiple haematomas 3 days after an acute episode of gastroenteritis. Prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were prolonged with reduced clotting activity of factor II (<10%), VIII (<1%), IX (3%), XII (10%) and evidence of a high titre inhibitor. Prothrombin (factor II) level was below the detection limit, both in a functional and immunological assay. It did not increase after administration of vitamin K or fresh frozen plasma. Further studies revealed presence of a strong lupus anticoagulant and a specific IgG antibody against prothrombin. Factor VIII antigen levels also were reduced (31%), but to a lesser extent than functionally determined factor VIII (<1%). Blood coagulation normalised following clinical recovery 6 weeks after admission. The pathophysiology of this acquired inhibitor phenomenon (accelerated clearance of complexes of clotting factors and phospholipids) is discussed. Conclusion The haemorrhagic lupus anticoagulant syndrome (acquired hypoprothrombinaemia lupus anticoagulant syndrome) is a rare presentation of acquired bleeding diathesis in childhood. Since most cases in post-infectious children are asymptomatic, it might be underdiagnosed. In children with newly appearing bleeding symptoms or unclear prolonged prothrombin time or activated partial thromboplastin time, one has to consider this syndrome which could lead to relevant bleeding. Received: 23 March 2000 / Accepted: 8 August 2000     

Complete bone regeneration in hemophilic pseudotumor of the mandible

Hemophilic pseudotumor (HP) is rare, seen in 1–2% of patients with hemophilia, and is extremely uncommon in the mandible. A 6‐year‐old boy with moderate hemophilia A presented to our hospital with left mandibular swelling. Based on clinical and radiological findings, a tentative diagnosis of HP was made. After factor VIII administration, the lesion was curetted and HP was confirmed on histopathology. The patient was treated with twice‐weekly factor VIII until the lesion had completely resolved and bone had regenerated at 1 year. The best treatment for HP is not established; however, appropriate initial treatment and postoperative prophylaxis are effective.     

Risk of bleeding and inhibitor development after circumcision of previously untreated or minimally treated severe hemophilia a children

Background: Surgery and intensive factor VIII (FVIII) replacement may be risk factors for development of inhibitors. Objective: To evaluate time and rate of inhibitor development postcircumcision over 12-month period, and to assess bleeding of children with severe hemophilia A after low-dose FVIII replacement and local hemostasis. Patients and Methods: Sixty-one previously untreated patients (PUPs) or minimally treated patients (MTPs) with severe hemophilia A less than 36 months were enrolled; 25 underwent circumcision during the 18-month enrollment period, and 36 matched patients were not circumcised. All patients were treated on demand with plasma-derived FVIII, and all were inhibitor negative at the time of enrollment. Intron 22 inversion was analyzed. A potent hemostatic agent (gelatin sponge) was applied on the site of surgery, and then dressed with gauze. Two doses of FVIII concentrate (25?U/kg) were given, 1?hour before circumcision and 1?hour before removal of dressing. The inhibitor was determined every 8 exposure days (EDs). Results: None of the patients had bleeding or infection, except one who had minimal transient bleeding 8?days after surgery, and was treated easily by a single dose of FVIII (50?U/kg). After a median of 16 EDs, high-titer inhibitors developed in seven patients: three patients in the circumcised group (12%) in contrast to four patients (11.1%) in the noncircumcised group. Conclusion: Two doses factor concentrate and gelatin sponge application were generally enough to prevent bleeding after circumcision of severe hemophilia A. Circumcision and low-dose FVIII protocol were not an additional risk for development of high-titer inhibitor.     

新生儿血友病A 11例病例系列报告

目的 探讨新生儿血友病A的临床表现、诊治及预后。方法 对复旦大学附属儿科医院2016年2月1日至2019年6月30日收治的11例新生儿血友病A临床资料进行回顾性分析。结果 11例新生儿血友病患儿均为男性,3例有明确血友病家族史。2例无出血表现,2例仅表现为皮肤瘀点瘀斑,7例有出血表现。出血部位包括硬膜下、颅内、皮下、消化道。11例活化部分凝血酶时间(APTT)均延长,均为凝血因子Ⅷ缺乏,中间型9例,重型和轻型各1例。5例行基因检测者证实FⅧ基因突变,缺失2例,点突变3例。血友病A确诊后予静脉输注Ⅷ因子。随访至2019年6月9~10日,1例失访,4例无出血表现,1例有踝关节自发出血表现,5例表现为外伤后皮肤瘀点/皮下血肿。结论 新生儿期多次凝血功能异常,以APTT延长为主,特别是延长＞3倍者有或无出血表现均应考虑血友病可能,应行凝血因子活性水平测定及基因检测及早确诊,早期诊断和预防性输注凝血因子可改善预后。     

Intracranial hemorrhage in neonates with unrecognized hemophilia A: a persisting problem

Hemophilia is a rare disorder, and an uncommon cause of intracranial hemorrhage in neonates. We present 2 patients with hemophilia A, who presented with massive subdural hemorrhages on day 5 and day 4 postpartum. Both were taken urgently to surgery without a diagnosis of hemophilia being established. Neither patient had a family history of hemophilia, and both were born following difficult deliveries. The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was normal in patient No. 1 (subsequent factor VIII level 10%). In patient No. 2, the APTT was slightly prolonged, but initially interpreted as being within the normal range for age (subsequent factor VII level of < 1%). Patient 1 rebled, required a second operation, and had a poor outcome. Patient 2 was given prophylactic fresh frozen plasma, and made a good recovery. Factor VIII assay should be performed in all term male babies presenting with intracranial hemorrhage. In urgent circumstances, prophylactic clotting therapy should be administered during surgery to prevent postoperative bleeding in an undiagnosed hemophiliac.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of myocardial infarction during prothrombin complex concentrate therapy of hemophilia A

In patients with hemophilia, prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) have been successfully used to bypass inhibitors to factor VIII during bleeding episodes. The use of PCCS, including FEIBA (factor eight inhibitor bypassing activity), has been associated with thromboembolic complications. Myocardial infarction (MI) is a rare but serious complication, reported in 13 previous cases, six in the pediatric age group. In all four patients who died during the acute MI, autopsy revealed extensive myocardial hemorrhage. The hearts of three other patients examined at least 5 months after the acute MI showed no evidence of prior hemorrhage. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has been shown to be able to evaluate the sequelae of myocardial infarction in adults with coronary artery disease and in children with Kawasaki syndrome. We report the first case of the use of MR imaging in the evaluation of myocardial damage during the acute stage of a FEIBA-associated MI in a 10-year-old boy. Received: 30 January 1996 Accepted: 28 June 1996     

Immunologic abnormalities in patients with hemophilia A

To assess the immunologic status of healthy persons with hemophilia A, we performed studies of T cell immunity in 21 patients, 10 given only cryoprecipitate and 11 given factor VIII concentrate. Patients in the factor VIII group had significantly decreased helper/suppressor T cell ratios. Both groups had diminished mononuclear cell response to phytohemagglutinin and normal mixed lymphocyte culture, compared with controls. Abnormalities in T cell number or function did not correlate with the presence of antibody to cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, or hepatitis B. Physicians caring for patients with hemophilia A should realize that asymptomatic individuals may have early evidence of immunodeficiency.     

Implantable central venous catheter facilitates prophylactic treatment in children with haemophilia

Twelve children with a severe form of haemophilia A received a totally implantable venous access system (Port-A-Cath) to facilitate regular prophylactic treatment with factor VIII. The indication for implantation was difficulty in obtaining regular access to a peripheral vein. Postoperative bleeding around the portal site occurred in two of 12 cases. After a median duration of follow-up of 26 months (range 5-79 months), none of the systems had needed replacement due to bleeding, septicaemia or thrombosis. One child, with an inhibitor against factor VIII, had an infection at the portal site and this system was removed. None of the other children had any serious side effects. Nine of the 12 children's parents learned how to use the Port-A-Cath system, thus enabling optimal prophylactic home treatment with factor VIII to be begun early in life.     

Evaluation of high concentration intranasal and intravenous desmopressin in pediatric patients with mild hemophilia A or mild-to-moderate type 1 von Willebrand disease

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of high-concentration intranasal desmopressin (HCIN-DDAVP) 1.5 mg/mL, in patients weighing < or = 50 kg with mild hemophilia A or mild type 1 von Willebrand disease (VWD). STUDY DESIGN: This was a single-center, nonrandomized, open-label, single-dose trial of HCIN-DDAVP. Nine boys with hemophilia A, 8 girls with mild VWD, and 8 boys with mild VWD were evaluated. HCIN-DDAVP responses were compared with historic IV-DDAVP responses in 13 of the patients. RESULTS: HCIN-DDAVP administration resulted in statistically significant mean increases in factor VIII procoagulant activity, ristocetin cofactor, and von Willebrand factor antigen levels in each of the 3 study groups. Mean (+/- 1 SD) increase in factor VIII procoagulant activity was 25.7 +/- 11.9 U/dL in mild hemophilia A. Ristocetin cofactor increased 108.5 +/- 53.8 U/dL in girls and 95.8 +/- 36.0 U/dL in boys with mild VWD. Intravenous desmopressin acetate responses were comparable to HCIN-DDAVP responses in patients who received both preparations. Adverse events were mild and resolved without intervention. CONCLUSION: We conclude that administration of 150 microg of high concentration intranasal desmopressin is safe and effective in patients weighing < or = 50 kg with mild hemophilia A or mild type 1 VWD.     

In vitro studies on the way in which the activation of factor VIII is affected in mixtures of plasma with hemophilia a plasma

Factor VIII exchange test experiments with hemophilia A plasmas were performed to find out how the results were affected by submitting plasmas and plasma mixtures to different incubation periods at 37°C, heat precipitation, and ether extraction. The experiments led to the following results:

1. In plasma mixtures, frequently higher factor VIII activities are found than can be expected from the single activities of the used plasmas. Activity increases are factor-specific.
2. The component to be activated is in the hemophilic plasma; the activity-increasing agent is in the normal plasma.

These results lead to the hypothesis that hemophilia A patients have sufficient quantities of inactive factor VIII, but it stays inactive for lack of the necessary activator. In normal plasma the activator is in balance or surplus to the inactive factor. By adding normal plasma, thus supplying free activator, the inactive factor VIII of hemophilia A plasma can, under suitable conditions, be developed into active factor VIII.     

Efficacy of standard prophylaxis versus on-demand treatment with bayer's sucrose-formulated recombinant FVIII (rFVIII-FS) in Chinese children with severe hemophilia A

In China, care of patients with severe hemophilia primarily involves insufficient dosing of on-demand treatment and secondary low-dose prophylaxis (10 IU/kg 2× /wk). We sought to evaluate 3× /wk, standard-dose prophylaxis with sucrose-formulated recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII-FS; Bayer) compared with on-demand treatment in Chinese children with severe hemophilia A. Children and adolescents aged 2–16 years with severe hemophilia A, no inhibitors, and no prophylaxis for >6 consecutive months before study entry were eligible for this 24-week, interventional, sequential-treatment study. Patients received rFVIII-FS on demand for 12 weeks followed by a 12-week prophylaxis period (25 IU/kg 3× /wk). The primary efficacy endpoint was comparison of the annualized bleeding rate (ABR) of all bleeds in the prophylaxis versus on-demand phase. Additional variables included ABR of joint bleeds, school attendance/activity, daily activity, and hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS). Thirty patients (median age, 12 years) were treated and analyzed. Compared with on-demand treatment, prophylaxis reduced median (quartile [Q1; Q3]) ABR of all bleeds (57.5 [44.5; 73.9] vs 0 [0; 4.0]) and joint bleeds (34.5 [26.1; 56.5] vs 0 [0; 4.0]). Median (range) total HJHS improved after both the prophylaxis and on-demand phases (8.0 [0–48.0] and 11.0 [0–55.0], respectively) compared with baseline (16.0 [0–56.0]). School attendance/activity and daily activity improved with prophylaxis versus on demand. No inhibitors or treatment-related adverse events were reported. In this first prospective, standard-dose, secondary prophylaxis study in China, rFVIII-FS prophylaxis reduced bleeding and improved health outcomes versus on-demand treatment in children with severe hemophilia A.