Synovitis
1. Following acute hemarthrosis, the synovium
becomes inflamed, is hyperemic and extremely
friable.
2. Failure to manage acute synovitis can result in
repeated hemarthroses [1,2].
3. During this stage, the joint requires protection
with a removal splint or compressive bandaging.
4. Activities should be restricted until swelling and
temperature of the joint return to baseline.
5. In some cases, COX-2 inhibitors may be useful.
6. Range of motion is preserved in the early stages.
Differentiation between hemarthrosis and syno-
vitis is made by performing a detailed physical
examination of the joint.
7. The presence of synovial hypertrophy may be
confirmed by ultrasonography or MRI. Plain
radiographs and particularly MRI will assist in
defining the extent of osteochondral changes.
8. With repeated bleeding, the synovium becomes
chronically inflamed and hypertrophied, and
the joint appears swollen (this swelling is usually
not tense, nor is it particularly painful): this is
chronic synovitis.
9. As the swelling continues to increase, articular
damage, muscle atrophy, and loss of motion will
progress to chronic hemophilic arthropathy.
10. The goal of treatment is to deactivate the
synovium as quickly as possible and preserve
joint function (Level 5) [3,4]. Options include:
■ factor concentrate replacement, ideally given
with the frequency and at dose levels sufficient
to prevent recurrent bleeding (Level 2) [5-8]
■
If concentrates are available in sufficient
doses, short treatment courses (6-8 weeks)
of secondary prophylaxis with intensive
physiotherapy are beneficial.
6
COMPLICATIONS OF
HEMOPHILIA
GUIDELINES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF HEMOPHILIA
56
■ physiotherapy (Level 2) [9,10], including:
■
daily exercise to improve muscle strength
and maintain joint motion
■
modalities to reduce secondary inflamma-
tion, if available [11]
■
functional training [12]
■ a course of NSAIDs (COX-2 inhibitors),
which may reduce inflammation (Level 2)
[13,14]
■ functional bracing, which allows the joint to
move but limits movement at the ends of range
where the synovium can be pinched and which
may prevent new bleeding [15].
■ synovectomy
Synovectomy
1. Synovectomy should be considered if chronic
synovitis persists with frequent recurrent
bleeding not controlled by other means.
Options for synovectomy include chemical or
radioisotopic synoviorthesis, and arthroscopic
or open surgical synovectomy. (Level 4) [16,17]
2. Non-surgical synovectomy is the procedure of
choice.
3. Radioisotopic synovectomy using a pure beta
emitter (phosphorus-32 or yttrium-90) is highly
effective, has few side effects, and can be accom-
plished in an out-patient setting. (Level 4)
[18,19]
■ A single dose of clotting factor is often suffi-
cient for a single injection of the isotope.
■ Rehabilitation is less intense than after surgical
synovectomy but is still required to help the
patient regain strength, proprioception, and
normal functional use of the joint.
4. If a radioisotope is not available, chemical synovi-
orthesis with either rifampicin or oxytetracycline
chlorhydrate is an appropriate alternative [20,21].
■ Chemical synoviorthesis involves weekly injec-
tions until the synovitis is controlled.
■ These painful injections require the administra-
tion of intra-articular xilocaine a few minutes
before injection of the sclerosing agent, oral
analgesics (a combination of acetaminophen/
paracetamol and an opioid), and a dose of clot-
ting factor concentrate prior to each injection.
■ The low cost of the chemical agent is offset
by the need for multiple injections of factor
concentrate.
■ Rehabilitation, as described for radioactive
synovectomy, is recommended.
5. Surgical synovectomy, whether open or arthroscopic,
requires a large supply of clotting factor for both
surgery and the lengthy period of rehabilitation.
The procedure must be performed by an experi-
enced team at a dedicated hemophilia treatment
centre. It is only considered when other less inva-
sive and equally effective procedures fail.
Chronic hemophilic arthropathy
1. Chronic hemophilic arthropathy can develop
any time from the second decade of life (and
sometimes earlier), depending on the severity
of bleeding and its treatment.
2. The process is set in motion by the immediate
effects of blood on the articular cartilage during
hemarthrosis [1,2] and reinforced by persistent
chronic synovitis and recurrent hemarthroses,
resulting in irreversible damage.
3. With advancing cartilage loss, a progressive
arthritic condition develops that includes:
■ secondary soft tissue contractures
■ muscle atrophy
■ angular deformities
4. Deformity can also be enhanced by contracture
following muscle bleeds or neuropathy.
5. Loss of motion is common, with flexion contrac-
tures causing the most significant functional loss.
6. Joint motion and weight bearing can be extremely
painful.
7. As the joint deteriorates, swelling subsides due
to progressive fibrosis of the synovium and the
capsule.
8. If the joint becomes ankylosed, pain may diminish
or disappear.
9. The radiographic features of chronic hemophilic
arthropathy depend on the stage of involvement.
■ Radiographs will only show late osteochon-
dral changes [22,23].
COMPLICATIONS OF HEMOPHILIA
57
■ Ultrasound or MRI examination will show
early soft tissue and osteochondral changes
[24-26].
■ Cartilage space narrowing will vary from
minimal to complete loss.
■ Bony erosions and subchondral bone cysts will
develop, causing collapse of articular surfaces
that can lead to angular deformities.
■ Fibrous/bony ankylosis may be present [27].
10. The goals of treatment are to improve joint
function, relieve pain, and assist the patient to
continue/resume normal activities of daily living.
11. Treatment options for chronic hemophilic
arthropathy depend on:
■ the stage of the condition
■ the patient’s symptoms
■ the impact on the patient’s lifestyle and func-
tional abilities
■ the resources available
12. Pain should be controlled with appropriate anal-
gesics. Certain COX-2 inhibitors may be used
to relieve arthritic pain (see ‘Pain Management’,
page 18). (Level 2) [13,14]
13. Supervised physiotherapy aiming to preserve
muscle strength and functional ability is a very
important part of management at this stage.
Secondary prophylaxis may be necessary if
recurrent bleeding occurs as a result of phys-
iotherapy. (Level 2) [9,10]
14. Other conservative management techniques
include:
■ serial casting to assist in correcting deformi-
ties [28,29].
■ bracing and orthotics to support painful and
unstable joints [15].
■ walking aids or mobility aids to decrease stress
on weight-bearing joints.
■ adaptations to the home, school, or work envi-
ronment to allow participation in community
activities and employment and to facilitate
activities of daily living [30].
15. If these conservative measures fail to provide
satisfactory relief of pain and improved func-
tioning, surgical intervention may be considered.
Surgical procedures, depending on the specific
condition needing correction, may include:
■ extra-articular soft tissue release to treat
contractures.
■ arthroscopy to release intra-articular adhe-
sions and correct impingement [31].
■ osteotomy to correct angular deformity.
■ prosthetic joint replacement for severe disease
involving a major joint (knee, hip, shoulder,
elbow) [32].
■ elbow synovectomy with radial head excision
[33].
■ arthrodesis of the ankle, which provides excel-
lent pain relief and correction of deformity
with marked improvement in function. Recent
improvements in ankle replacement surgery
may pose an alternative for persons with hemo-
philia in the future [34,35].
16. Adequate resources, including sufficient factor
concentrates and post-operative rehabilitation,
must be available in order to proceed with any
surgical procedure. (Level 3) [36-38]
Principles of physiotherapy/physical medicine
in hemophilia
1. Physiotherapists and occupational therapists and/
or physiatrists should be part of the core hemo-
philia team. Their involvement with patients and
their families should begin at the time of diag-
nosis, and they remain important to the patient
throughout their lifespan.
2. Their role in the management of the patient with
hemophilia includes the following [9,39-41]:
■ Assessment
■
Determining the site of an acute bleed
■
Regular assessment throughout life
■
Pre-operative assessment
■ Education
■
Of the patient and family regarding muscu-
loskeletal complications and their treatment
■
Of school personnel regarding suitable
activities for the child, immediate care in
case of a bleed, and modifications in activ-
ities that may be needed after bleeds.
■ Treatment of acute bleeds, chronic synovitis,
and chronic arthropathy using a variety of
techniques including hydrotherapy, heat, ice,
GUIDELINES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF HEMOPHILIA
58
electrical nerve stimulation, pulsed diathermy,
ultrasound as well as various orthoses for pain
relief and restoration of function.
Pseudotumours
1. The pseudotumour is a potentially limb and life-
threatening condition unique to hemophilia that
occurs as a result of inadequately treated soft
tissue bleeds, usually in muscle adjacent to bone,
which can be secondarily involved. It is most
commonly seen in a long bone or the pelvis.
2. If not treated, the pseudotumour can reach
enormous size, causing pressure on the adja-
cent neurovascular structures and pathologic
fractures. A fistula can develop through the over-
lying skin.
3. Diagnosis is made by the physical finding of a
localized mass.
4. Radiographic findings include a soft tissue mass
with adjacent bone destruction.
5. A more detailed and accurate evaluation of a
pseudotumour can be obtained with CT scan
and MRI.
6. Management depends on the site, size, rate
of growth, and effect on adjoining structures.
Options include factor replacement and moni-
toring, aspiration, and surgical ablation.
■ A six-week course of treatment with factor is
recommended, followed by repeat MRI. If the
tumour is decreasing, continue with factor and
repeat MRI for three cycles. (Level 4) [42,43]
■ Proceed to surgery if necessary, which will be
much easier if the tumour has shrunk.
■ Aspiration of the pseudotumour followed by
injections of fibrin glue, arterial emboliza-
tion, or radiotherapy may heal some lesions.
Surgery may be needed for others. (Level 4)
[44,45]
■ Surgical excisions, including limb amputations,
may be necessary for large pseudotumours,
particularly if they erode long bones. Large
abdominal pseudotumours present a special
challenge in surgical management of hemo-
philia; surgery must only be performed by
teams with experience in hemophilia.
Fractures
1. Fractures are not frequent in people with hemo-
philia, possibly due to lower levels of ambulation
and intensity of activities [46]. However, a person
with hemophilic arthropathy may be at risk for
fractures around joints that have significant loss
of motion and in bones that are osteoporotic.
2. Treatment of a fracture requires immediate
factor concentrate replacement. (Level 4)
[46-48]
3. Clotting factor levels should be raised to at
least 50% and maintained for three to five days.
(Level 4) [3,46-48]
4. Lower levels may be maintained for 10–14 days
while the fracture becomes stabilized and to
prevent soft tissue bleeding.
5. The management plan should be appropriate for
the specific fracture, including operative treat-
ment under appropriate coverage of clotting
factor concentrates.
6. Circumferential plaster should be avoided;
splints are preferred. (Level 4) [46]
7. Compound/infected fractures may require
external fixators [49].
8. Prolonged immobilization, which can lead to
significant limitation of range of movement in
the adjacent joints, should be avoided. (Level
4) [46,47]
9. Physiotherapy should be started as soon as the
fracture is stabilized to restore range of motion,
muscle strength, and function [39].
Principles of orthopedic surgery in
hemophilia
For important considerations related to performing
surgical procedures in persons with hemophilia,
please see “Surgery and invasive procedures”, on page
16. Specific issues in relation to orthopedic surgery
include:
1. Orthopedic surgeons should have had specific
training in surgical management of persons with
hemophilia [3].
COMPLICATIONS OF HEMOPHILIA
59
2. Performing multiple site elective surgery in a
simultaneous or staggered fashion to use clot-
ting factor concentrates judiciously should be
considered. (Level 3) [50]
3. Local coagulation enhancers may be used.
Fibrin glue is useful to control oozing when
operating in extensive surgical fields. (Level
3) [36,51,52]
4. Post-operative care in patients with hemophilia
requires closer monitoring of pain and often
higher doses of analgesics in the immediate
post-operative period. (Level 5) [36]
5. Good communication with the post-operative
rehabilitation team is essential [39]. Knowledge
of the details of the surgery performed and intra-
operative joint status will facilitate planning of
an appropriate rehabilitation program.
6. Post-operative rehabilitation should be carried
out by a physiotherapist experienced in hemo-
philia management.
7. Rehabilitation may have to progress more slowly
in persons with hemophilia.
8. Adequate pain control is essential to allow appro-
priate exercise and mobilization.
9. These principles also apply to fixation of frac-
tures and excision of pseudotumours.
6.2 Inhibitors
1. “Inhibitors” in hemophilia refer to IgG anti-
bodies that neutralize clotting factors.
2. In the current era in which clotting factor concen-
trates have been subjected to appropriate viral
inactivation, inhibitors to FVIII or FIX are
considered to be the most severe treatment-
related complication in hemophilia.
3. The presence of a new inhibitor should be
suspected in any patient who fails to respond
clinically to clotting factors, particularly if he has
been previously responsive. In this situation, the
expected recovery and half-life of the transfused
clotting factor are severely diminished.
4. Inhibitors are more frequently encountered in
persons with severe hemophilia compared to
those with moderate or mild hemophilia.
5. The cumulative incidence (i.e. lifetime risk) of
inhibitor development in severe hemophilia A is
in the range of 20-30% and approximately 5-10%
in moderate or mild disease [53-54].
6. In severe hemophilia A, the median age of
inhibitor development is three years or less in
developed countries. In moderate/mild hemo-
philia A, it is closer to 30 years of age, and is often
seen in conjunction with intensive FVIII expo-
sure with surgery [55,56].
7. In severe hemophilia, inhibitors do not change
the site, frequency, or severity of bleeding. In
moderate or mild hemophilia, the inhibitor
may neutralize endogenously synthesized FVIII,
thereby effectively converting the patient’s pheno-
type to severe.
8. Bleeding manifestations in moderate/mild hemo-
philia complicated by an inhibitor are more
frequently reminiscent of those seen in patients
with acquired hemophilia A (due to auto-anti-
bodies to FVIII), with a greater predominance
of mucocutaneous, urogenital, and gastrointes-
tinal bleeding sites [57]. Consequently, the risk of
severe complications or even death from bleeding
may be significant in these patients.
9. Inhibitors are much less frequently encountered
in hemophilia B, occurring in less than 5% of
affected individuals [58].
10. In all cases, inhibitors render treatment with
replacement factor concentrates difficult. Patients
on clotting factor therapy should therefore be
screened for inhibitor development.
11. Confirmation of the presence of an inhibitor
and quantification of the titre is performed in
the laboratory, preferably using the Nijmegen-
modified Bethesda assay (see ‘Inhibitor testing’,
on page 32). (Level 1) [59,60]
GUIDELINES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF HEMOPHILIA
60
12. For children, inhibitors should be screened
once every five exposure days until 20 expo-
sure days, every 10 exposure days between 21
and 50 exposure days, and at least two times
a year until 150 exposure days. (Level 5) [61]
13. For adults with more than 150 exposure days,
apart from a 6-12 monthly review, any failure to
respond to adequate factor concentrate replace-
ment therapy in a previously responsive patient
is an indication to assess for an inhibitor. (Level
3) [56,62-64]
14. Inhibitor measurement should also be done in
all patients who have been intensively treated
for more than five days, within four weeks of
the last infusion. (Level 4) [63,65]
15. Inhibitors should also be assessed prior to
surgery or if recovery assays are not as expected,
and when clinical response to treatment of
bleeding is sub-optimal in the post-operative
period. (Level 2) [53,63,66]
16. A low responding inhibitor is defined as an inhib-
itor level that is persistently < 5 BU/ml, whereas
a high responding inhibitor is defined by a level
≥ 5 BU/ml.
17. High responding inhibitors tend to be persis-
tent. If not treated for a long period, titre levels
may fall or even become undetectable, but there
will be a recurrent anamnestic response in three
to five days when challenged again with specific
factor products.
18. Some low titre inhibitors may be transient,
disappearing within six months of initial docu-
mentation, despite recent antigenic challenge
with factor concentrate.
19. Very low titre inhibitors may not be detected
by the Bethesda inhibitor assay, but by a poor
recovery and/or shortened half-life (T-1/2)
following clotting factor infusions.
Management of bleeding
1. Management of bleeding in patients with inhib-
itors must be in consultation with a centre
experienced in their management. (Level 5)
[63,67]
2. Choice of treatment product should be based on
titre of inhibitor, records of clinical response to
product, and site and nature of bleed. (Level 4)
[63,68]
3. Patients with a low-responding inhibitor may
be treated with specific factor replacement at
a much higher dose, if possible, to neutralize
the inhibitor with excess factor activity and
stop bleeding. (Level 4) [63,68]
4. Patients with a history of a high responding
inhibitor but with low titres may be treated
similarly in an emergency until an anamnestic
response occurs, usually in three to five days,
precluding further treatment with concentrates
that only contain the missing factor. (Level 4)
[63,68]
5. Porcine factor VIII prepared from the plasma
of pigs has been effective in halting bleeding in
some patients. The plasma-derived preparation
is being superceded by a recombinant porcine
factor VIII concentrate currently in clinical trials.
6. With an inhibitor level > 5 BU, the likelihood is
low that specific factor replacement will be effec-
tive in overwhelming the inhibitor without ultra
high dose continuous infusion therapy.
7. Alternative agents include bypassing agents
such as recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) and
prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC),
including the activated forms (APCC).
8. The efficacy of two doses of rFVIIa and one dose
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