Arthroscopy for chronic hemophilic synovitis of the knee

Between 1988 and 1995, 32 knee joints (29 patients) with hemophilic arthropathy underwent arthroscopy. The spectrum of procedures ranged from resection of fibrous plicae to synovectomy. Technical difficulties appeared in cases of scarred fixed patella, pronounced posterior tibia subluxation, and severe fibrous ankylosis. All operations done between 1988 and 1991 (23 operations; 21 patients) were reviewed retrospectively. The mean age of the patients in this series was 30 years and the mean followup was 5 years. On subjective evaluation, 13 operations achieved a definite improvement, five showed slight improvement, and two had no improvement (three operations were excluded). Arthroscopic surgery, as a relatively low risk technique, combined with early functional rehabilitation, can be used to achieve satisfactory results in patients with hemophilic arthropathy.

Orthopaedic surgery in hemophilic patients with human immunodeficiency virus

Patients registered at the author's hemophilia center between 1982 and 1994 were studied to establish whether major orthopaedic surgical procedures accelerate the fall of CD4 lymphocyte counts of patients with hemophilia who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, and whether patients who had surgery had different rates of development of acquired immune deficiency syndrome or death when compared with patients who did not have surgery. The patients were divided into four groups: Group 1, 22 patients who were human immunodeficiency virus positive undergoing orthopaedic surgery; Group 2, 89 patients who were human immunodeficiency virus positive not undergoing orthopaedic surgery; Group 3, 18 patients who were human immunodeficiency virus negative undergoing orthopaedic surgery; and Group 4, 135 patients who were human immunodeficiency virus negative not undergoing orthopaedic surgery. There was no significant difference between the rates of decline of CD4 lymphocyte counts for patients who were human immunodeficiency virus positive who underwent surgery when compared with human immunodeficiency virus positive patients who did not undergo surgery, nor was there any significant difference between the two human immunodeficiency virus negative groups. There were no significant differences in the rate of development of acquired immune deficiency syndrome or mortality rates between patients who had surgery and those who did not.

Intraarticular dexamethasone in advanced chronic synovitis in hemophilia

From 1988 to 1966, 34 patients with advanced chronic hemophilic synovitis (25 Grade III and nine Grade IV) were treated with intraarticular injections of long acting dexamethasone (sodium phosphate of dexamethasone plus acetate of dexamethasone) in cycles of three injections with 3-week intervals between each injection with 6-month rest intervals between cycles for as many as three cycles, depending on the evolution of each case. All patients had chronic severe synovitis, axial deformity, muscular atrophy, and diminution of range of movement. There were 31 knees, two ankles, and two shoulders. Subjective and objective evaluations were done grouping the results in good, fair, and poor according to grade of patient satisfaction, presence of synovitis and pain, range of movement, and limitation of activities of daily living. In the subjective results there were 19 good results, 12 fair results, and four poor results, and in the objective evaluation there were 22 good results, nine fair results, and four poor results at an average followup of 1.5 years. The use of intraarticular dexamethasone as an alternative in the short to medium term for treatment of advanced chronic hemophilic synovitis with pain and limitation of function before doing an invasive surgical treatment is proposed.

Radioactive synoviorthesis in patients with hemophilia with factor inhibitor

In nine patients with hemophilia and factor inhibitor (six with hemophilia A; three with hemophilia B), 19 joints were treated with radioactive synoviorthesis using Au-198. Ages ranged from 3 to 40 years. Synoviorthesis was performed when the antibody titer was low (< 10 Bethesda units), thus making hemostasis possible by factor administration for 2 to 4 days. On five occasions, radioactive synoviorthesis was performed simultaneously with tolerance induction according to the Malmö protocol. A bleeding free interval of more than 6 months was obtained in 11 joints, six of which remained bleeding free for more than a year. At long term followup (range, 18-182 months) five joints were rated good, one joint was fair, and 11 joints were poor. Although the results are inferior to those for patients with hemophilia without inhibitor, radioactive synoviorthesis should be considered because of its ease of performance and the definite decrease in joint bleeding frequency that it brings about. This is of particular interest in patients with hemophilia caused by factor inhibitor who otherwise are difficult to treat.

Interferon therapy for Japanese hemophiliacs with chronic hepatitis C

Eight Japanese hemophiliacs with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) received interferon (IFN) therapy and four of them (50%) responded completely. Non-responders included 3 double-infected patients: 1 with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and 2 with human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1). In one of the patients with HIV-1 double infection, the absolute number of CD4+ lymphocytes decreased during IFN therapy. These findings suggest that hemophiliac patients with CHC can respond well to IFN therapy, but in patients who are double-infected with HBV and HIV-1, the indication of IFN therapy should be considered seriously.

Chemical synoviorthesis for hemophilic synovitis

For many years, Rifampicin has been used empirically for the treatment of hemophilic chronic synovitis with encouraging results. A study was performed in which Rifampicin was shown to reduce the inflammation of joints affected by hemophilic synovitis. A clinical study was performed on 48 hemophilic patients (48 joints). Seventeen elbows, eight knees, and 23 ankles were treated. The mean age of the patients was 6 years (range, 4-23 years) and the mean followup was 29 months (range, 24-53 months). Overall, 40 excellent results and eight good results were obtained. The average number of weekly injections of Rifampicin was 3.06 (range, 1-10 injections). Eight patients experienced pain on the first injection, which subsided gradually with the subsequent procedures. Synoviorthesis with Rifampicin seems to be a good method for the treatment of hemophilic synovitis, especially in small joints (elbows and ankles) and in younger children.

Treatment of considerations in patients with compartment syndrome and an inherited bleeding disorder

In addition to consultation with an experienced hematologist, the following are recommendations regarding compartment syndrome in a patient with an inherited bleeding disorder. Von Willebrand's Disease. Humate-P (rich in von Willebrand factor) is the replacement therapy of choice for surgical procedures in patients with von Willebrand's disease. In general, in the perioperative period, factor VIII levels between 50% and 100% are ideal with a gradual tapering to maintain levels at 50% for approximately 2 weeks. Adjuncts to therapy are DDAVP and EACA. Hemophilia A. During the initial evaluation and with measurement of compartment pressures, factor VIII replacement to levels in the range of 40% to 60% of normal is appropriate replacement therapy. For fasciotomy, however, factor VIII levels greater than 50% to 100% are required. In patients who have developed antibodies to factor VIII, a number of options are available. With low titers of factor VIII inhibitor, higher doses of factor VIII may be successful in overriding the inhibitor. In patients with higher titers of inhibitor, activated factor VII or porcine factor VIII is recommended. Hemophilia B. Highly purified factor IX replacement aimed at keeping factor levels between 50% and 100% in the perioperative period, followed by maintenance at 50% for approximately 2 weeks, is optimal management. Treatment Algorithm: The Figure outlines an algorithm to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of compartment syndrome in the patient with an inherited bleeding disorder. In a suspected case of compartment syndrome due to a soft-tissue hemorrhage or injury, factor replacement as outlined above should be initiated. Unequivocal clinical findings in the normal patient usually would be an indication to proceed to fasciotomy without obtaining compartment pressures. In the patient with an inherited bleeding disorder, however, factor replacement and subsequent normalization of the clotting cascade may help lowe compartment pressures. Therefore, we advocate obtaining initial pressures even with clinical findings of an acute compartment syndrome. At our institution, we advocate using an automated handheld pressure monitor (Stryker, Ontario, Canada) or the needle injection technique as described by Whitesides et al. In interpreting the obtained pressures, we choose to use the guidelines as described by Heppenstall et al. Briefly, Heppenstall et al determined that the pressure threshold at which cellular damage occurred was related more closely to the difference between the mean arterial blood pressure and compartment pressure than with the absolute compartment pressure alone; this measurement is called delta P. If delta P is > 30 mm Hg, then one should continue factor replacements and perform serial clinical and pressure examinations. Pressures should be taken every hour for 2 hours total. If the patient worsens in either respect, then the physician should enter the other limb of the algorithm for delta P < 30 mm Hg. For the patient with a delta P < 30 mm Hg, the amount of time since onset of symptoms must be considered. Since the patient may improve with adequate factor replacement, a delta P < 30 mm Hg mercury does not dictate automatic fasciotomy. An adequate time trial of replacement therapy may be attempted. In patients whose pressures do not begin normalizing, we advocate proceeding to fasciotomy. Patients who begin to normalize pressures during a 2-hour trial can be followed with serial clinical and pressure examinations. Any worsening in either scenario is an indication for fasciotomy; otherwise, observation and factor replacement may be continued. After initial decompression, staples may be placed in both wound edges with an elastic vascular loop woven between the two edges in a "shoelace" pattern. Then while waiting for closure, the loops can be gradually tightened at the bedside. Definitive closure should be attempted around the fifth postoperative day. All closure techniques should be pre

Nephrotic syndrome associated with hypocomplementemia in a 4-year-old boy with hemophilia B

PURPOSE

The case of a 4-year-old boy with hemophilia B with inhibitor who developed nephrotic syndrome is described. The possible association between factor IX therapy and nephrotic syndrome in patients with hemophilia B is discussed.

PATIENT AND METHODS

A chart review of a 4-year-old boy with hemophilia B and an inhibitor who developed nephrotic syndrome with transient hypocomplementemia was performed. In addition, a literature search was undertaken to determine the prevalence of this association and possible etiologic factors.

RESULTS

Although the nephrotic syndrome was resistant to steroid therapy and Bebulin (Osterreichisches Institut für Haemoderivate Ges.M.B.H., Subsidiary of Immuno AG, Vienna, Austria) infusions were continued, the edema resolved and proteinuria decreased. Seven month later, proteinuria, accompanied by transient hypocomplementemia, increased again. A rise in factor IX inhibitor level was observed. The patient received no immunosuppressive therapy, and exhibited a continuous decrease in urinary protein excretion over the following months.

DISCUSSION

A discussion about possible differential diagnoses and a review of the literature are presented.

A multicenter controlled, randomized, open trial of interferon alpha2b treatment of anti-human immunodeficiency virus-negative hemophilic patients with chronic hepatitis C. Hepatitis Study Group of the Association of Italian Hemophilia Centers

There is limited information about the long-term efficacy of prolonged therapy (more than 6 months) with interferon alpha in hemophilic patients with chronic hepatitis C who are not coinfected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1). One hundred and seven hemophiliacs were randomly assigned to 3 million U of interferon alpha2b three times weekly for 12 months or no therapy. The patients were followed up for at least 12 months posttreatment. Response was assessed by both serial alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and hepatitis C virus (HCV)-RNA measured by reverse transcribed polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. Before treatment, serum levels of HCV-RNA were measured quantitatively by second-generation branched-DNA assay and the HCV genotype was determined by RT-PCR. Serum HGV-RNA, a marker of infection with the hepatitis G virus, was also measured by RT-PCR. Normalization of ALT was sustained and serum HCV-RNA was cleared in 6 of 45 treated patients, compared with none of the 50 untreated controls (13% v 0% P < .01). Low pretreatment viremia was the only feature that was associated with an increased likelihood of sustained response (P < .01). This study shows that multitransfused hemophiliacs with chronic hepatitis C not coinfected with HIV-1 respond at low rates to prolonged interferon therapy.

Haemophilia prophylaxis in young patients--a long-term follow-up

OBJECTIVES

To review long-term prophylactic factor treatment in young patients with severe haemophilia A and B, focusing on the orthopaedic and radiological outcome.

DESIGN

We received 34 patients with severe haemophilia A (n = 29) and B (n = 5), aged 7-22 years. Age at start of treatment was 1-4.5 years. Dosages of factor concentrate (F VIII and F IX, respectively) were 25-40 IU/kg body weight, three times a week for haemophilia A and twice a week for haemophilia B. The patients had been checked annually over a 5-year period (1990-95). Orthopaedic and radiological joint scores were evaluated according to recommendations by the World Federation of Haemophilia.

SETTING

All results were obtained at the Department for Coagulation Disorders, University of Lund, Malmö University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.

RESULTS

Orthopaedic and radiological joint scores were found to have remained unchanged during follow-up in almost all patients and to be still zero (i.e. no unaffected joints) in 79% (n = 27) of the patients.

CONCLUSION

There is a growing international consensus haemophilic arthropathy can be prevented by administering early high-dose prophylaxis. The results of the present investigation strongly support this opinion.

[Para-cerebral hematomas caused by coagulopathies]

The authors present two cases of haematoma accompanying coagulopathies, treated successfully in the Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Academy in Gdańsk. In the first case, haematoma occurred after trauma in a patient with haemophilia B, and in the other case in a patient treated with Syncumar for mitral valve implantation. The authors apply the strategy of treatment of patients with coagulopathies which should involve achieving of stable haemostasis, indispensable for positive result of the treatment.

Periarticular aneurysm formation in haemophilia

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous bleeding into the joints is common in haemophilia. Recurrent intra-articular bleeding leads to joint destruction. In the past 4 years we have carried out sixteen total knee replacements for haemophilic arthropathy. In three patients there was persistent bleeding with haemarthrosis, manifest skin discolouration, severe pain, and swelling, which was caused by a periarticular aneurysm.

METHODS

Using angiography as part of the preoperative preparation, we initiated a prospective study. Ten angiographic examinations (six preoperative, two postoperative, one both) were carried out in seven patients without major complications.

FINDINGS

In seven of the ten angiographic examinations, three preoperative and four postoperative, we found aneurysms around the knee. Since the patients with a positive postoperative finding did not have preoperative studies, we do not know whether the aneurysms existed before surgery.

INTERPRETATION

Aneurysms can cause increased bleeding and other complications. The occurrence of spontaneous periarticular aneurysms in haemophilia has not been explored. In these cases, the resultant bleeding led to serious clinical symptoms that were not responsive to conservative measures. This new finding is relevant to those who surgically treat haemophilia patients. Angiography--and, when indicated, embolisation--before total knee replacement proved simple and effective as a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure.

Hepatitis C virus genotypes in French haemophiliacs: kinetics and reappraisal of mixed infections

The distribution and kinetics of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes and the prevalence of mixed infections were studied in a group of 45 French patients with haemophilia A or B or von Willebrand's disease, 21 of them being anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive; genotyping was carried out by three methods based on the core, 5' untranslated region (5'UTR), and the detection of type-specific NS4 antibodies. Genotyping of the 5'UTR revealed genotypes 1a (n = 10), 1b (n = 13), 2a (n = 3), 2b (n = 4), 2NC (n = 3), 3a (n = 10), and two mixed infections (1a + 1b and 3a + 2). Five of 33 patients showed a change from one HCV genotype to another. The core genotyping assay showed 8 of 45 mixed infections: 6/8 1a + 1b and 2/8 3a + 2. Sequencing of core polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products showed that mixed infection 1a + 1b could be explained by nonspecific annealing of the 1b primer to type 1a sequence. By designing new primers whose sequence was more specific to HCV types 1a and 1b, we could confirm 1a + 1b mixed infection in only one of six cases. Serotyping assay showed for 17 of 21 anti-HIV negative patients a concordance with the 5'UTR genotype; however, only 6 of 19 anti-HIV positive patients showed detectable serological reactivity. In summary, we have observed a similar HCV genotype distribution between our haemophilic group and the French anti-HCV positive patients. The study demonstrates the difficulties of assessing with the presently available genotyping and serotyping assays the real prevalence of mixed infections in multiply transfused patients.

ENT surgery in children with inherited bleeding disorders

Inherited bleeding disorders are frequently considered an absolute contraindication to tonsillectomy and other ENT procedures. Over a 15-year period we have performed ten elective tonsillectomies and five bilateral myringotomies on children with inherited bleeding disorders. All procedures were carried out with the close co-operation of the Haematology Department in the hospital. All patients underwent uneventful surgery. One patient returned after tonsillectomy with a secondary haemorrhage which did not require surgical intervention. We present our team approach to the management of these children and demonstrate that necessary surgical intervention can be undertaken safely in this select group of patients.

Analysis of an HIV-infected cohort followed for as long as 15 years after seroconversion

Data from a cohort of 62 HIV-positive individuals with hemophilia or von Willebrands disease infected for a maximum period of 15 years were analyzed. The relation between CD4+ and total lymphocyte counts and their rate of decline was analyzed with respect to age at seroconversion, time of seroconversion, and development of disease and subsequent death. As expected, the CD4+ and total lymphocyte population decline correlated with increased probability of disease and death. The patients fell into two distinct categories with respect to this decline: those whose cell count declined steadily (single slope) and those whose cell count remained steady or decreased very slowly for a variable period and then declined sharply (double slope). Within this cohort, the presence of a double slope appears to indicate a poorer prognosis, as 9 of 18 of the patients who have died showed this pattern, whereas only 6 of 42 of the remaining patients have this pattern even though more than half of this group have CD4+ lymphocyte counts < 0.2 x 10(9)/L. In addition, the ratio of CD4+ lymphocyte count to total lymphocyte count decreased with increasing cumulative frequency of the cumulative incidence of disease and death and the overall probability of death in this cohort was lower than expected, being 30% 12 years after seroconversion.

[Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim-induced pneumonitis in a patient with hemophilia B who was infected with the human immunodeficiency virus]

Severe cellular immunosuppression developed in a 25-year-old man with hemophilia B who was infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Four days after administration of sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SMX-TMP) for prophylaxis against Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), diffuse uptake of both lungs was confirmed on a 67Ga scintigram. Reticular shadows were also seen throughout both lung fields on a chest CT scan. These findings were compatible with PCP, according to the guidelines for presumptive diagnosis of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The dose of SMX-TMP was increased, but interstitial pneumonitis worsened and was accompanied by fever, skin rash, and liver dysfunction, which are common in HIV-infected patients receiving SMX-TMP. No evidence of PCP or of any other opportunistic infection was found by bronchoalveolar lavage. Adverse reactions diminished after SMX-TMP administration was stopped. The 67Ga scintigram and chest CT findings also returned to normal. We concluded that the interstitial pneumonitis was induced by SMX-TMP. SMX-TMP is the first choice anti-PCP drug, but a high incidence of adverse reactions in patients with HIV infection has been reported. Therefore the possibility of SMX-TMP-related pulmonary toxicity must be considered in HIV-infected patients.

The treatment of haemophilia, including prophylaxis, constant infusion and DDAVP

Recent years have witnessed advances in the treatment of haemophilia such as the introduction of prophylaxis, continuous infusion and pharmacological treatment with desmopressin (DDAVP). Prophylactic treatment on a long-term basis appears to be effective in preventing the development of arthropathy in severe haemophilia. The largest body of experience is that from Sweden, where prophylaxis is started at the age of 1-2 years. The dosage used is 25-40 U factor VIII/IX per kilogram bodyweight given three times or twice weekly, respectively. In some cases an intravenous access device has to be used during the first years of treatment. The patients grow up like normal boys and can live virtually normal lives. The beneficial psychological impact of prophylaxis on the family cannot be overestimated. Side-effects are not more frequent with prophylaxis than with on-demand treatment. The feasibility of continuous infusion of factor VIII/IX concentrates during bleeding episodes, or as cover for surgery, has been documented. This mode of delivery increases convenience and the cost-benefit ratio of the treatment, with savings in postoperative replacement of factor concentrate of about 50-75%. Many modern concentrates are stable enough for the purpose, and several pump systems, including portable ones, are available. The haemostatic drug DDAVP can be effectively used in most cases of mild haemophilia A. Intravenous administration is to be preferred as cover for surgery or in the case of severe bleeds. There is an effective nasal spray which can also be used for home therapy in mild or moderate bleedings.

Central venous access catheters in children with haemophilia

Twenty-five central venous lines (two external 23 subcutaneous ports) were placed in 19 boys with haemophilia A (n = 17) or B (n = 2). The mean age of the boys was 4.9 years (range 0.2-15.3 years). The haemophilia was severe (factor level < 1%) in 18 boys and moderate (factor level 3%) in one. Three boys had circulating inhibitors and three were positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 antibody. Central venous lines were placed to facilitate intermittent factor replacement therapy (n = 6), long-term factor prophylaxis (n = 9), induction of an immune tolerance protocol (n = 2) or therapy for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related complications (n = 2). The ports remained in place for 15795 days (mean 687 days, range 11-2059 days). The frequency of port-related sepsis was 48% (11/23 ports in eight boys) or 0.7 port infections per 1000 patient days. Ports were removed from five boys with an unresolved infection (four with Staphylococcus aureus sepsis and one with Pseudomonas sp. sepsis). Other complications requiring port removal included a catheter tip placed too high in the venous system (n = 1), severe persistent pain associated with needle access of the port (n = 1) and a subclavian vein thrombosis (n = 1). Both the benefits and risks of a subcutaneous port should be considered when deciding whether to place this device in a very young child with haemophilia.

Activity of granzyme A, a serine protease in the killing granules of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, is reduced in cells from HIV-infected hemophiliacs

Cytotoxic CD8+ lymphocytes (CTLs) kill virally infected target cells by releasing cytotoxic granules. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether the activity of granzyme A, a serine protease in the killing granules of CTLs is altered in HIV-infected hemophiliacs. A sensitive colorimetric assay that measures cleavage of a synthetic substrate, N alpha-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-lysine thiobenzyl ester (BLT), was used to quantitate granzyme A activity. Granzyme A activities from hemophiliacs were normalized to to granzyme A activities of healthy donors run concurrently. Granzyme A activity in CD8+ T cells from HIV-seropositive hemophiliacs was significantly lower than granzyme A activity in cells from HIV-seronegative hemophiliacs (0.48 units +/- 0.086/CD8+ T cell and 1.573 +/- 0.434 units/CD8+ T cell, respectively; p < 0.005). These results indicate that cytotoxic cells in HIV-infected hemophiliacs have reduced granzyme A activity, which may result in a defect in CTL-mediated cell killing in these patients.