A study of variations in the reported haemophilia A prevalence around the world

Low Dose Prophylaxis in Hemophilia Care

Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder which causes impaired blood clotting. The severity of disease depends on the type of Hemophilia, level of clotting factor concentrate (CFC), phenotypic heterogeneity and the development of inhibitors. The currently accepted standard of care of this disease is prophylaxis therapy (PT) with CFC. Prophylaxis therapy for Hemophilia is given in developed countries for the last few decades. On the contrary, episodic therapy (ET) is still the mode of treatment in middle and low income countries. ET is documented to have several potential risks such as increased bleeding rate, disability due to haemarthrosis, poor quality of life and increased chances of mortality. Several studies conducted in developed countries have confirmed the clinical efficacy of PT in Hemophilia treatment. Currently, there exist several challenges for implementation of this effective treatment in resource poor nations. Low dose prophylaxis (LDP) has been developed as a solution to minimize these challenges and to provide better care for subjects with Hemophilia from low resource countries. The impact of LDP was evaluated by several recent studies and the reported clinical outcomes seem to suggest an optimistic future for this line of therapy. Several themes related to Hemophilia care like inhibitor development, tolerance, pharmacokinetics of CFCs and cost-benefit analysis of different prophylaxis regimens are currently understood poorly. These distinct elements are highly relevant to assess the actual benefits of LDP regimen in a global scale.

Health status and quality of life in patients with severe hemophilia A: A cross-sectional survey

Among different groups of hemophiliacs, those suffering from Severe Hemophilia A (SHA) are most vulnerable to the complications of the disease. This study investigated the Health-Related Quality of Life (HR-QoL) among adult patients with SHA. A cross-sectional study was designed to gather demographic and clinical information from adult patients with SHA. Patients with inhibitors were excluded. The remaining were asked to complete the HR-QoL questionnaire after being examined for joint health using the Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS). The HR-QoL and joint conditions were measured in 38 patients. The mean EQ-5D value scores were 0.46 (SD=0.23) while the mean Visual Analogous Scale score was 50 (SD=18.7). The clinical examination of patients indicated that the HJHS were as follows: eight patients had a score of 55-75, 12 patients had a score of 40-55, 7 of them (25-40) and 11 patients had a score of 10-25. The results obtained from this study showed that HRQoL in hemophilia patients was considerably low. Pain, anxiety/depression, and motion limitations were the main causes of the disutility for these patients respectively.

Outpatient minor oral surgery in patients with hemophilia: A case series of 23 patients

Hemophilia is an inherited coagulation disorder characterized by deficiency of the coagulation factor VIII or IX. When the management of hemostasis is inadequate, these patients are at high risk of experiencing intra and postoperative bleedings after tooth extractions. Coagulation factor replacement therapy allows performing most surgical procedures safely, although the factor levels and length of treatment have not been clearly determined. In this study, we present our experience in a retrospective series of 112 ambulatory tooth extractions under local anesthesia in 23 patients with hemophilia using a coagulation factor replacement therapy in combination with tranexamic acid. The results obtained with this protocol were satisfactory and only one episode of mild postoperative bleeding occurred after seven days in a patient who did not have good treatment compliance.

Key words:Hemophilia, factor replacement therapy, tooth extractions, postoperative complications.

Routine clinical care data for population pharmacokinetic modeling: the case for Fanhdi/Alphanate in hemophilia A patients

Fanhdi/Alphanate is a plasma derived factor VIII concentrate used for treating hemophilia A, for which there has not been any dedicated model describing its pharmacokinetics (PK). A population PK model was developed using data extracted from the Web-Accessible Population Pharmacokinetic Service-Hemophilia (WAPPS-Hemo) project. WAPPS-Hemo provided individual PK profiles for hemophilia patients using sparse observations as provided in routine clinical care by hemophilia centers. Plasma factor activity measurements and covariate data from hemophilia A patients on Fanhdi/Alphanate were extracted from the WAPPS-Hemo database. A population PK model was developed using NONMEM and evaluated for suitability for Bayesian forecasting using prediction-corrected visual predictive check (pcVPC), cross validation, limited sampling analysis and external evaluation against a population PK model developed on rich sampling data. Plasma factor activity measurements from 92 patients from 12 centers were used to derive the model. The PK was best described by a 2-compartment model including between subject variability on clearance and central volume, fat free mass as a covariate on clearance, central and peripheral volumes, and age as covariate on clearance. Evaluations showed that the developed population PK model could predict the PK parameters of new individuals based on limited sampling analysis and cross and external evaluations with acceptable precision and bias. This study shows the feasibility of using real-world data for the development of a population PK model. Evaluation and comparison of the model for Bayesian forecasting resulted in similar results as a model developed using rich sampling data.

Evaluation of an automated chromogenic assay for Factor VIII clotting activity measurement in patients affected by haemophilia A

INTRODUCTION

The original one-stage clotting assay is still the most widely used method to measure Factor VIII clotting activity (FVIII:C) in patients with haemophilia A (HA), although the use of chromogenic assays is increasing significantly.

AIM

Evaluation of the analytical performance and diagnostic accuracy of BIOPHEN™ FVIII:C (HYPHEN BioMed, Neuville-sur-Oise, France) assay on Sysmex CS-2400 (Sysmex, Kobe, Japan) analyser.

METHODS

Sixty patients with haemophilia A (HA; any severity) and 120 healthy Italian subjects were included. All the assays were performed on citrate platelet-poor plasmas stored at -80°C. Chromogenic BIOPHEN™ FVIII:C was compared with the one-stage assay using Actin FS and Factor VIII deficient plasma (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Marburg, Germany) on Sysmex CS-2400 and with another chromogenic automated assay (COAMATIC™ Factor VIII, CHROMOGENIX on ACL TOP analyzer; Instrumentation Laboratory, Milan, Italy).

RESULTS

Intra-assay and inter-assay coefficient of variation were <6%. Linearity was good up to 1/128 dilution (r = 0.99); mean recovery was 91.7% and limit of detection was 0.2%. BIOPHEN™ FVIII:C assay showed a good correlation and diagnostic agreement with the chromogenic COAMATIC™ assay: the Spearmen's Rank correlation coefficient was 0.98 and the inter-rate agreement K Cohen coefficient was 0.61. The K coefficient was 0.91 when BIOPHEN™ FVIII:C was compared with the historical classification of the patients, demonstrating an optimal diagnostic accuracy in HA.

CONCLUSIONS

BIOPHEN™ FVIII:C showed good analytical performance and diagnostic accuracy and could be considered suitable for the introduction in routine analytical panel of coagulation for the diagnosis of HA patients.

Antifibrinolytic therapy for preventing oral bleeding in patients with haemophilia or Von Willebrand disease undergoing minor oral surgery or dental extractions

BACKGROUND

Minor oral surgery or dental extractions (oral or dental procedures) are widely performed and can be complicated by hazardous oral bleeding, especially in people with an inherited bleeding disorder such as haemophilia or Von Willebrand disease (VWD). The amount and severity of singular bleedings depend on disease-related factors, such as the severity of the haemophilia, both local and systemic patient factors (such as periodontal inflammation, vasculopathy or platelet dysfunction) and intervention-related factors (such as the type and number of teeth extracted or the dimension of the wound surface). Similar to local haemostatic measures and suturing, antifibrinolytic therapy is a cheap, safe and potentially effective treatment to prevent bleeding complications in individuals with bleeding disorders undergoing oral or dental procedures. However, a systematic review of trials reporting outcomes after oral surgery or a dental procedure in people with an inherited bleeding disorder, with or without, the use of antifibrinolytic agents has not been performed to date. This is an update of a previously published Cochrane Review.

OBJECTIVES

Primarily, we aim to assess the efficacy of antifibrinolytic agents to prevent bleeding complications in people with haemophilia or VWD undergoing oral or dental procedures.Secondary objectives are to assess if antifibrinolytic agents can replace or reduce the need for clotting factor concentrate therapy in people with haemophilia or VWD and to establish the effects of these agents on bleeding in oral or dental procedures for each of these patient populations.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Coagulopathies Trials Register, compiled from electronic database searches of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), of MEDLINE and from handsearching of journals and conference abstract books. We additionally searched the reference lists of relevant articles and reviews. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cinahl and the Cochrane Library. Additional searches were performed in ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP).Date of last search of the Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Coagulopathies Trials Register: 01 March 2019.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials in people with haemophilia or VWD undergoing oral or dental procedures using antifibrinolytic agents (tranexamic acid or epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA)) to prevent perioperative bleeding compared to no intervention or usual care with or without placebo.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently screened the titles and abstracts of all identified articles. Full texts were obtained for potentially relevant abstracts and two authors independently assessed these for inclusion based on the selection criteria. A third author verified trial eligibility. Two authors independently performed data extraction and risk of bias assessments using standardised forms.

MAIN RESULTS

While there were no eligible trials in people with VWD identified, two randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (total of 59 participants) in people with haemophilia undergoing dental extraction were included. One trial of tranexamic acid published in 1972 included 28 participants with mild, moderate or severe haemophilia A and B and one of EACA published in 1971 included 31 people with haemophilia with factor VIII or factor IX levels less than 15%. Overall, the two included trials showed a beneficial effect of tranexamic acid and EACA, administered systemically, in reducing the number of bleedings, the amount of blood loss and the need for therapeutic clotting factor concentrates. Regarding postoperative bleeding, the tranexamic acid trial showed a risk difference (RD) of -0.64 (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.93 to - 0.36) and the EACA trial a RD of -0.50 (95% CI 0.77 to -0.22). The combined RD of both trials was -0.57 (95% CI -0.76 to -0.37), with the quality of the evidence (GRADE) for this outcome is rated as moderate. Side effects occurred once and required stopping EACA (combined RD of -0.03 (95% CI -0.08 to 0.13). There was heterogeneity between the two trials regarding the proportion of people with severe haemophilia included, the concomitant standard therapy and fibrinolytic agent treatment regimens used. We cannot exclude that a selection bias has occurred in the EACA trial, but overall the risk of bias appeared to be low for both trials.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Despite the discovery of a beneficial effect of systemically administered tranexamic acid and EACA in preventing postoperative bleeding in people with haemophilia undergoing dental extraction, the limited number of randomised controlled trials identified, in combination with the small sample sizes and heterogeneity regarding standard therapy and treatment regimens between the two trials, do not allow us to conclude definite efficacy of antifibrinolytic therapy in oral or dental procedures in people with haemophilia. No trials were identified in people with VWD.

Hemophilia carrier's awareness, diagnosis, and management in emerging countries: a cross-sectional study in Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

BACKGROUND

Little data is available on awareness of hemophilia carrier condition or associated bleeding risk and management in Sub-Saharan African countries. This study sought to identify hemophilia carriers in Côte d'Ivoire in order to collect data on demographics, bleeding phenotype, and laboratory results. Another purpose was to provide Ivorian hemophilia carriers with counseling on their risk of bleeding and of having children with hemophilia. A 12-month prospective study was conducted involving Ivorian hemophilia carriers recruited trough pedigree analysis pertaining to 81 hemophilia patients followed-up at the Yopougon Hemophilia Treatment Center in Abidjan. They were assessed using in-depth interviews, pedigree analysis, and laboratory testing.

RESULTS

Sixty-one subjects comprising 27 obligate and 34 possible carriers were recruited. None had previously been assessed, with 64% unaware of their carrier status despite a familial history of hemophilia in 69%. The most frequently reported bleeding symptom was menorrhagia (31%). Prolonged bleeding was reported after vaginal delivery in 19.6%, post-surgery in 4.9%, and post-dental extraction in 4.9%. Only one carrier was treated with tranexamic acid, with no other hemostatic therapy recorded. The median (range) clotting FVIII was 0.85 IU/mL (0.24-1.90 IU/mL) and FIX 0.60 IU/mL (0.42-1.76 IU/mL) in hemophilia A and B carriers, respectively. HA carriers had a FVIII < 0.5 IU/mL in 12.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the need of implementing care for hemophilia carriers in developing countries, and the high value of pedigree analysis for carrier identification, along with the relevance of diagnosis, treatment, and education of carriers, families, and caregivers.

Increased serum levels of progranulin (PGRN) in patients with haemophilic arthropathy

Haemophilia A and B are rarely occurring X chromosome-linked congenital coagulation disorders dominated by spontaneous joint bleedings and chronic synovitis, leading to development of haemophilic arthropathy (HA). Progranulin (PGRN) is a growth factor with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. PGRN is an important molecule in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatological disorders. This study was aimed at investigating the potential role of PGRN in the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of HA. The serum levels of PGRN were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in patients with end-stage knee joint HA (n = 20) and end-stage primary knee joint OA (n = 20) who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The clinical and radiological assessment of disease severity was evaluated by the Knee Society Score (KSS) and Kellgren-Lawrence scale. Median PGRN levels in HA patients was 349.1 ng/mL (232.8-415.6 ng/mL) and in OA patients 148.3 ng/mL (112.1-275.3 ng/mL) with statistically significant differences between both groups (P < 0.015). Further analysis revealed no correlation between PGRN levels and any of the patient demographics and clinical parameters. This study demonstrates increased PGRN serum levels in patients with HA and provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of HA indicating a new potential target for therapeutic intervention.

Cost-Effectiveness of rFVIIa versus pd-aPCC in the Management of Mild to Moderate Bleeds in Pediatric Patients with Hemophilia A with Inhibitors in Mexico

OBJECTIVE

To compare the costs and clinical consequences of treating mild-to-moderate joint bleeds with recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) versus plasma-derived activated prothrombin complex concentrate (pd-aPCC) in pediatric patients with hemophilia A with inhibitors in Mexico.

METHODS

A cost-effectiveness model was developed using TreeAge Pro v14.2.2 software (licensed in the USA) and adapted from a previously published model, with adjustments to reflect local clinical practice. Expert opinion was sought regarding patients' clinical management and resource utilization in Mexico to ensure that the current model was appropriate and relevant. The model compared rFVIIa and pd-aPCC for the treatment of mild-to-moderate joint bleeds in children <14 years old (assumed average weight: 30 kg). The analysis outcome was incremental cost per resolved mild-to-moderate joint bleed. One-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were used to assess specific assumptions and to address any uncertainty in the model.

RESULTS

The cost of treating mild-to-moderate joint bleeds was lower for rFVIIa versus pd-aPCC after 7 days (MX$105,581 vs. MX$132,024), assuming complete bleed resolution. After 48 hours, rFVIIa was associated with an 8% improvement in bleed resolution versus pd-aPCC, resulting in cost savings of MX$16,754. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated that rFVIIa treatment was more cost-effective than pd-aPCC in 67% (at 7 days) and 72% (at 48 hours) of Monte Carlo simulations.

CONCLUSION

Accounting for model uncertainty, rFVIIa provided cost savings over pd-aPCC for the Mexican public health care payer in the management of mild-to-moderate joint bleeds in pediatric hemophilia A with inhibitors.

Common themes and challenges in hemophilia care: a multinational perspective

OBJECTIVE

To identify ways that provision of hemophilia care can be maximized at the local level, irrespective of available resources or cultural or geographic challenges.

METHODS

The SHIELD group used its multinational experience to share examples of local initiatives that have been employed to deliver optimal hemophilia care.

RESULTS

The examples were reviewed and categorized into four key themes: guidelines and algorithms for delivery of care; collaboration with patients and allied groups for care and education; registries for the monitoring of treatment and outcomes and health care planning and delivery; and opportunities for personalization of care. These themes were then incorporated into a road map for collaborative care in hemophilia that reflected the contribution of best practice.

DISCUSSION

Differing healthcare reimbursement systems, budgetary constraints, and geographical and cultural factors make it difficult for any country to fully deliver ideal care for people with hemophilia. The SHIELD approach for collaborative care provides illustrative examples of how four key themes can be used to optimize hemophilia care in any setting.

ABBREVIATIONS

AHCDC: Association of Hemophilia Clinic Directors of Canada; AICE: Italian Association of Hemophilia Centres; ATHN: American Thrombosis and Hemostasis Network; EAHAD: European Association for Haemophilia and Allied Disorders; EHC: European Hemophilia Consortium; FIX: Coagulation Factor IX; FVIII: Coagulation Factor VIII; HAL: Haemophilia Activity List; HJHS: Haemophilia Joint Health Score; HTC: Hemophilia Treatment Centre; HTCCNC: Hemophilia Treatment Centre Collaborative Network of China; MASAC: Medical and Scientific Advisory Council; MDT: Multidisciplinary team; NHD: National Haemophilia Database; NHF: National Hemophilia Foundation; PK: Pharmacokinetics; POCUS: Point of care ultrasound; PWH: People with haemophilia; SHIELD: Supporting Hemophilia through International Education, Learning and Development; WFH: World Federation of Hemophilia.

Reproductive genetics and the aging male

PURPOSE

To examine current evidence of the known effects of advanced paternal age on sperm genetic and epigenetic changes and associated birth defects and diseases in offspring.

METHODS

Review of published PubMed literature.

RESULTS

Advanced paternal age (> 40 years) is associated with accumulated damage to sperm DNA and mitotic and meiotic quality control mechanisms (mismatch repair) during spermatogenesis. This in turn causes well-delineated abnormalities in sperm chromosomes, both numerical and structural, and increased sperm DNA fragmentation (3%/year of age) and single gene mutations (relative risk, RR 10). An increase in related abnormalities in offspring has also been described, including miscarriage (RR 2) and fetal loss (RR 2). There is also a significant increase in rare, single gene disorders (RR 1.3 to 12) and congenital anomalies (RR 1.2) in offspring. Current research also suggests that autism, schizophrenia, and other forms of "psychiatric morbidity" are more likely in offspring (RR 1.5 to 5.7) with advanced paternal age. Genetic defects related to faulty sperm quality control leading to single gene mutations and epigenetic alterations in several genetic pathways have been implicated as root causes.

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced paternal age is associated with increased genetic and epigenetic risk to offspring. However, the precise age at which risk develops and the magnitude of the risk are poorly understood or may have gradual effects. Currently, there are no clinical screenings or diagnostic panels that target disorders associated with advanced paternal age. Concerned couples and care providers should pursue or recommend genetic counseling and prenatal testing regarding specific disorders.

Gene Therapy with BMN 270 Results in Therapeutic Levels of FVIII in Mice and Primates and Normalization of Bleeding in Hemophilic Mice

Hemophilia A is an X-linked bleeding disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding the factor VIII (FVIII) coagulation protein. Bleeding episodes in patients are reduced by prophylactic therapy or treated acutely using recombinant or plasma-derived FVIII. We have made an adeno-associated virus 5 vector containing a B domain-deleted (BDD) FVIII gene (BMN 270) with a liver-specific promoter. BMN 270 injected into hemophilic mice resulted in a dose-dependent expression of BDD FVIII protein and a corresponding correction of bleeding time and blood loss. At the highest dose tested, complete correction was achieved. Similar corrections in bleeding were observed at approximately the same plasma levels of FVIII protein produced either endogenously by BMN 270 or following exogenous administration of recombinant BDD FVIII. No evidence of liver dysfunction or hepatocyte endoplasmic reticulum stress was observed. Comparable doses in primates produced similar levels of circulating FVIII. These preclinical data support evaluation of BMN 270 in hemophilia A patients.

Bone Density Status in Bleeding Disorders: Where Are We and What Needs to Be Done?

Bleeding disorders, including hemophilia, can be seen in every ethnic population in the world. Among various bleeding disorders, reduced bone density has been addressed in hemophilia A. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in addressing osteopenia and osteoporosis in hemophilia A. There is little or no study about the possible susceptibility of other individuals with bleeding disorders to reduced bone density. Questions have been raised about the role of blood coagulation factors in bone mineralization. This review provides new insight and ideas for further survey in the field of bleeding disorders and reduced bone density.

Impact of aerobic exercise on haemostatic indices in paediatric patients with haemophilia

This study investigated the impact of aerobic exercise on laboratory assessments of haemostatic activity in boys (5–18 years of age) with haemophilia A (HA) or B (HB), examining the hypothesis that laboratory coagulation parameters temporarily improve with exercise. Thirty subjects meeting eligibility criteria (19 HA; 11 HB; mean age: 12.8 years) were invited to participate. They underwent a replacement factor washout period and were advised against strenuous activity for three days prior to the planned intervention. At study visit, baseline blood samples were drawn prior to exercise on a stationary cycle ergometer, aiming to attain 3 minutes (min) of cycling at 85 % of predicted maximum heart rate. Blood work was repeated 5 min (t5) and 60 min (t60) post exercise completion. Samples were assessed for platelet count (PC), factor VIII activity (FVIII:C), von Willebrand antigen (VWF:Ag), ristocetin cofactor activity (VWF:RCo) and platelet function analysis (PFA-100); maximum rate of thrombus generation (MRTG) in blood was measured via thromboelastography and plasma peak thrombin generation (PTG) via calibrated automated thrombography. Mean duration of exercise was 13.9 (± 2.6) min. On average, t5 samples showed significant elevation, relative to baseline in PC, FVIII:C, VWF:Ag, VWF:RCo and PTG, while FVIII:C, VWF:Ag, VWF:RCo and MRTG were significantly elevated in t60 samples. Within the cohort, participants with severe HA showed no change in FVIII:C levels with exercise. The greatest improvement in haemostatic indices was observed in post-adolescent males with mild-moderate HA, who thus represent the group most likely to benefit from a reduction of bleeding risk in the setting of exercise.

A first description of the Colombian national registry for rare diseases

OBJECTIVE

Orphan diseases must be considered a public health concern, underlying country-specific challenges for their accurate and opportune diagnosis, classification and management. Orphan disease registries have not yet been created in South America, a continent having a population of ~ 415 million inhabitants. In Colombia ~ 3 million of patients are affected by rare diseases. The aim of the present study was to establish the first Colombian national registry for rare diseases. The registry was created after the establishment of laws promoting the development of clinical guidelines for diagnosis, management, census and registry of patients suffering rare diseases.

RESULTS

In total, 13,215 patients were recorded in the Colombian registry. The survey reported 653 rare diseases. The most common diseases were congenital factor VIII deficiency (hemophilia A) (8.5%), myasthenia gravis (6.4%), von Willebrand disease (5.9%), short stature due to growth hormone qualitative anomaly (4.2%), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (3.9%) and cystic fibrosis (3.2%). Although, a marked under-reporting of cases was observed, some pathologies displayed similar behavior to that reported by other initiatives and databases. The data currently available in the registry provides a baseline for improvement regarding local and regional surveys and the start for better understanding rare diseases in Colombia.

Analyses of the FranceCoag cohort support differences in immunogenicity among one plasma-derived and two recombinant factor VIII brands in boys with severe hemophilia A

Around one third of boys with severe hemophilia A develop inhibitors (neutralizing antibodies) against their therapeutic factor VIII product. This adverse effect may result in more life-threatening bleeding, disability, impaired quality of life, and costly care. We compared the incidence of inhibitors in boys treated with the three factor VIII products most used in France: one plasma-derived (Factane) and two recombinant products (Advate and Kogenate Bayer). A previously untreated cohort of patients was created in 1994 to investigate risk factors for inhibitor development. We selected boys with severe hemophilia A (factor VIII <1 IU/dL) first treated with one of the three factor VIII products studied. Details of product infusions, inhibitor assays and main fixed and time-varying inhibitor risk factors were recorded for the first 75 exposure days. Three outcomes (all inhibitors, high-titer inhibitors and subsequently treated inhibitors) were analyzed by univariate and multivariate Cox models. We studied 395 boys first treated between 2001 and 2016 (131, 137, and 127 with Factane, Advate, and Kogenate Bayer, respectively). Clinically significant inhibitors were diagnosed in 121 patients (70 high-titer). The incidence of high-titer inhibitors was significantly associated with the factor VIII product received (P=0.005): the cumulative incidence at 75 exposure days was 12.7% (95% CI: 7.7-20.6) with Factane, 20.4% (95% CI: 14.0-29.1) with Advate, and 31.6% (95% CI: 23.5-41.7) with Kogenate Bayer. The low inhibitor incidence observed with Factane is concordant with recent findings from the SIPPET randomized trial. These consistent results from observational and experimental studies should lead to improved care for previously untreated patients and cost savings for healthcare systems worldwide.

Extended Stability and Sterility of Antihemophilic Factor Human

OBJECTIVES

Antihemophilic factor human is a factor VIII product used to supplement those with hemophilia. Recent data show treatment benefit and cost saving opportunities if factor products are administered as a continuous infusion rather than conventional bolus dose. This method has not been widely used given the lack of evidence for safe and effective use beyond 3 hours from preparation. The objectives of this study were to determine the physical and chemical stability and sterility of antihemophilic factor human over a 7-day period.

METHODS

Antihemophilic factor human was obtained from the manufacturer. Baseline stability and sterility were determined by factor activity levels along with bacterial and fungal cultures. These tests were also evaluated over a span of 7 days at room temperature and under refrigeration.

RESULTS

Each sample was inspected at the time of delivery and showed no visible signs of physical changes. Factor activity levels were maintained between 88% and 102% of baseline measurements. No growth was observed for bacterial or fungal cultures in any sample after 4 weeks of incubation.

CONCLUSIONS

Antihemophilic factor human maintained physical stability and chemical stability and remained sterile for the 7-day period, allowing extended stability and continuous infusions to be considered.

[Retrospectively analysis of the difference of bleeding frequency and hemophilic arthropathy between hemophilia A and hemophilia B patients]

Objective: To analyze the difference of bleeding frequency, plain radiographic (X-ray) , risk factors in hemophilic arthropathy progression and the Arnold-Hilgartner classification. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in 211 hemophilia patients hospitalized in our medical center between January 2007 and December 2010, some patients with hemarthrosis were followed up for 5 years. Results: All patients were male, including 150 hemophilia A (HA) and 61 hemophilia B (HB) . The HA patients bled more frequently than HB patients with annualized total bleeding rate 20.5 (0-48) vs 13 (1-40) ; annualized joint bleeding rate 13.5 (0-38) vs 8 (0-33) , especially in moderate hemophilia [26 (1-48) vs 12 (1-36) , P<0.001; 18 (0-36) vs 7.5 (0-26) , P=0.001], but severe hemophilia had no difference in bleeding frequency [33 (1-41) vs 26 (1-40) , P=0.702; 22 (0-36) vs 18 (0-33) , P=0.429]. The condition of the affected joints of 108 HA and 54 HB was evaluated on roentgenography. In HA patients, the Arnold-Hilgartner classification increased with the severity ratings (r=0.063, P=0.004) . However, similar associations were not found in HB patients (r=0.045, P=0.082) . Five years later, 36 HA and 19 HB patients received the same joint X-ray, there were no significant differences in joints radiographic progression between the total HA and HB groups (z=1.941, P=0.052) . However, significant difference between moderate HA and HB was observed (z=0.076, P=0.002) . Multivariate unconditioned Logistic analysis showed that annualized joint bleeding rate [P<0.001, OR=1.166 (95%CI 1.097-1.239) ] and articular structural injuries [P=0.018, OR=2.842 (95% CI 1.196-6.755) ] were independent risk factors for the joints radiographic progression. Conclusion: The study suggests that there was a difference in bleeding phenotype between HA and HB, especially in moderate hemophilia. HB patients showed mild but progressive development over time, compared with HA patients. Annualized joint bleeding rate and articular structural injuries were independent risk factors for the joints radiographic progression.

Italian Registry of Congenital Bleeding Disorders

In Italy, the surveillance of people with bleeding disorders is based on the National Registry of Congenital Coagulopathies (NRCC) managed by the Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità). The NRCC collects epidemiological and therapeutic data from the 54 Hemophilia Treatment Centers, members of the Italian Association of Hemophilia Centres (AICE). The number of people identified with bleeding disorders has increased over the years, with the number rising from approx. 7000 in 2000 to over 11,000 in 2015. The NRCC includes 4020 patients with hemophilia A and 859 patients with hemophilia B. The prevalence of the rare type 3 vWD is 0.20/100,000 inhabitants. Less common congenital bleeding disorders include the following deficiencies: Factor I (fibrinogen), Factor II (prothrombin), Factor V, Factor VII, Factor X, Factor XI and Factor XIII, which affect 1953 patients. Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection affects 1561 patients, more than 200 of whom have two infections (HCV + HIV). Estimated hemophilia-related drug consumption in 2015 was approx. 550 million IU of FVIII for hemophilia A patients and approx. 70 million IU of FIX for hemophilia B patients. The NRCC, with its bleeding disorder data set, is a tool that can provide answers to fundamental questions in public health, monitoring care provision and drug treatment, as well as facilitating clinical and epidemiological research.

Challenges in data quality: the influence of data quality assessments on data availability and completeness in a voluntary medical male circumcision programme in Zimbabwe

OBJECTIVES

To assess availability and completeness of data collected before and after a data quality audit (DQA) in voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) sites in Zimbabwe to determine the effect of this process on data quality.

SETTING

4 of 10 VMMC sites in Zimbabwe that received a DQA in February, 2015 selected by convenience sampling.

PARTICIPANTS

Retrospective reviews of all client intake forms (CIFs) from November, 2014 and May, 2015. A total of 1400 CIFs were included from those 2 months across four sites.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES

Data availability was measured as the percentage of VMMC clients whose CIF was on file at each site. A data evaluation tool measured the completeness of 34 key CIF variables. A comparison of pre-DQA and post-DQA results was conducted using χ² and t-tests.

RESULTS

After the DQA, high record availability of over 98% was maintained by sites 3 and 4. For sites 1 and 2, record availability increased by 8.0% (p=0.001) and 9.7% (p=0.02), respectively. After the DQA, sites 1, 2 and 3 improved significantly in data completeness across 34 key indicators, increasing by 8.6% (p<0.001), 2.7% (p=0.003) and 3.8% (p<0.001), respectively. For site 4, CIF data completeness decreased by 1.7% (p<0.01) after the DQA.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that CIF data availability and completeness generally improved after the DQA. However, gaps in documentation of vital signs and adverse events signal areas for improvement. Additional emphasis on data completeness would help support high-quality programme implementation and availability of reliable data for decision-making.

Development of a Web-Accessible Population Pharmacokinetic Service-Hemophilia (WAPPS-Hemo): Study Protocol

BACKGROUND

Individual pharmacokinetic assessment is a critical component of tailored prophylaxis for hemophilia patients. Population pharmacokinetics allows using individual sparse data, thus simplifying individual pharmacokinetic studies. Implementing population pharmacokinetics capacity for the hemophilia community is beyond individual reach and requires a system effort.

OBJECTIVE

The Web-Accessible Population Pharmacokinetic Service-Hemophilia (WAPPS-Hemo) project aims to assemble a database of patient pharmacokinetic data for all existing factor concentrates, develop and validate population pharmacokinetics models, and integrate these models within a Web-based calculator for individualized pharmacokinetic estimation in patients at participating treatment centers.

METHODS

Individual pharmacokinetic studies on factor VIII and IX concentrates will be sourced from pharmaceutical companies and independent investigators. All factor concentrate manufacturers, hemophilia treatment centers (HTCs), and independent investigators (identified via a systematic review of the literature) having on file pharmacokinetic data and willing to contribute full or sparse pharmacokinetic data will be eligible for participation. Multicompartmental modeling will be performed using a mixed-model approach for derivation and Bayesian forecasting for estimation of individual sparse data. NONMEM (ICON Development Solutions) will be used as modeling software.

RESULTS

The WAPPS-Hemo research network has been launched and is currently joined by 30 HTCs from across the world. We have gathered dense individual pharmacokinetic data on 878 subjects, including several replicates, on 21 different molecules from 17 different sources. We have collected sparse individual pharmacokinetic data on 289 subjects from the participating centers through the testing phase of the WAPPS-Hemo Web interface. We have developed prototypal population pharmacokinetics models for 11 molecules. The WAPPS-Hemo website (available at www.wapps-hemo.org, version 2.4), with core functionalities allowing hemophilia treaters to obtain individual pharmacokinetic estimates on sparse data points after 1 or more infusions of a factor concentrate, was launched for use within the research network in July 2015.

CONCLUSIONS

The WAPPS-Hemo project and research network aims to make it easier to perform individual pharmacokinetic assessments on a reduced number of plasma samples by adoption of a population pharmacokinetics approach. The project will also gather data to substantially enhance the current knowledge about factor concentrate pharmacokinetics and sources of its variability in target populations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02061072; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02061072 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6mRK9bKP6).

Measuring the quality of haemophilia care across different settings: a set of performance indicators derived from demographics data

BACKGROUND

Haemophilia is a rare disease for which quality of care varies around the world. We propose data-driven indicators as surrogate measures for the provision of haemophilia care across countries and over time.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The guiding criteria for selection of possible indicators were ease of calculation and direct applicability to a wide range of countries with basic data collection capacities. General population epidemiological data and haemophilia A population data from the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) Annual Global Survey (AGS) for the years 2013 and 2010 in a sample of 10 countries were used for this pilot exercise.

RESULTS

Three indicators were identified: (i) the percentage difference between the observed and the expected haemophilia A incidence, which would be close to null when all of the people with haemophilia A (PWHA) theoretically expected in a country would be known and reported to the AGS; (ii) the percentage of the total number of PWHA with severe disease; and (iii) the ratio of adults to children among PWHA standardized to the ratio of adults to children for males in the general population, which would be close to one if the survival of PWHA is equal to that of the general population. Country-specific values have been calculated for the 10 countries.

CONCLUSIONS

We have identified and evaluated three promising indicators of quality of care in haemophilia. Further evaluation on a wider set of data from the AGS will be needed to confirm their value and further explore their measurement properties.

Analysis of the Japanese subgroup in LEOPOLD II: a phase 2/3 study of BAY 81-8973, a new recombinant factor VIII product

BAY 81-8973, a new full length recombinant FVIII product, has been developed for prophylaxis and on-demand therapy in patients with hemophilia A. LEOPOLD II was a phase 2/3 study comparing prophylaxis versus on-demand treatment with BAY 81-8973. The analysis herein evaluated the clinical profile in Japanese subjects enrolled in LEOPOLD II. The LEOPOLD II was an open-label randomized crossover study. Our analysis evaluated the efficacy using the annualized bleeding rate, safety, and pharmacokinetics in Japanese subjects with severe hemophilia A enrolled in LEOPOLD II. The median annualized bleeding rate was 59.9/year in the on-demand group and 1.9/year in the prophylaxis group for Japanese subjects. There were no study drug-related adverse events in the Japanese subjects. None of the subjects developed FVIII inhibitors. There were no apparent clinical differences in efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics between the Japanese and the non-Japanese subjects. Data for the Japanese subjects showed annualized bleeding rates to be remarkably lower in the prophylaxis group compared to the on-demand group and that BAY 81-8973 exhibited a good safety profile and tolerability. These results were similar for the non-Japanese subjects. The results support adoption of BAY 81-8973 for treatment of Japanese subjects with severe hemophilia A.

Therapeutic and routine prophylactic properties of rFactor VIII Fc (efraloctocog alfa, Eloctate®) in hemophilia A

rFVIIIFc (efraloctocog alfa, Eloctate^®) is an extended half-life (EHL) factor VIII licensed for use in patients with hemophilia A for prophylaxis and treatment of bleeding and surgical episodes. Pharmacokinetic studies in adults have shown a mean 1.5-fold increase in half-life compared to full-length factor VIII. When compared to adults, the half-life is decreased by 8% in adolescents between 12 and 17 years, by 18% in children 6 to <12 years, and by 33% in children between the ages of 2 and <6 years. There is a considerable interindividual variation in the prolongation of the half-life particularly in children and across the age groups, the range extending from no increase to a 2.5-fold increase. In addition to age, von willebrand factor (VWF) antigen level has demonstrated a significant impact on rFVIIIFc half-life, with higher VWF levels associated with greater prolongation of half-life. The pivotal and pediatric clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of rFVIIIFc for use in regular prophylaxis and in management of bleeds and surgery. In these studies, just under half the participants showed a zero annualized bleed rate (ABR), and the median ABR (1.6 in the pivotal study for the individualized prophylaxis arm) showed a further decrease in the extension study. On average, the patients required fewer infusions (reduced by at least a third), and the mean weekly consumption seems to be in keeping with standard recombinant factor VIII. EHL rFVIIIFc has made decreased infusion frequency a possibility. However, the interindividual variability in dose and infusion frequency highlights the need for a personalized approach based on individual patient’s half-life and/or response to treatment.

The use of pharmacokinetics in dose individualization of factor VIII in the treatment of hemophilia A

INTRODUCTION

Hemophilia A is a bleeding disorder resulting from a lack of clotting factor VIII (FVIII), and treatment typically consists of prophylactic replacement of the deficient factor. However, high between subject variability precludes the development of a 'one size fits all' dosing strategy and necessitates an individualized approach. We sought to summarize the data on the pharmacokinetics of FVIII available as a basis for the development of population pharmacokinetic models to be used in dose tailoring. Areas covered: We reviewed the pharmacokinetics of FVIII as used for the treatment of hemophilia A, with a focus on the variability observed between patients and the application of pharmacokinetic methods to dose individualization. We also explored the covariates affecting pharmacokinetic parameters, the differences between plasma-derived and recombinant FVIII and the development of extended half-life products. Expert opinion: The pharmacokinetics of factor VIII in patients with hemophilia shows a high interpatient variability, and is affected by age, weight, level of von Willebrand factor, and blood group. A population approach to estimating individual pharmacokinetics is likely to provide the most successful strategy to tailor factor concentrate dosing to the individual needs and to ensure optimal patient outcomes, while also improving the cost-effectiveness of prophylactic replacement therapy.

Validity of the Portuguese CHO-KLAT in Brazil

INTRODUCTION

It is essential to assess the health-related quality of life outcomes of boys with haemophilia in Brazil. The Canadian Haemophilia Outcomes-Kids Life Assessment Tool (CHO-KLAT) was recently adapted for this population.

AIM

To test the construct validity of the Portuguese version of the CHO-KLAT.

METHODS

We recruited 50 boys, with moderate [factor VIII (FVIII) level 1-5%] or severe (FVIII level <1%) haemophilia, to participate in a descriptive study to establish a baseline understanding of the current status of boys with haemophilia in Brazil. All boys were required to complete the Brazilian CHO-KLAT and Brazilian Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) by self-report. We examined the correlation between the CHO-KLAT and PedsQL scores to establish the construct validity of the Brazilian version of the CHO-KLAT.

RESULTS

We obtained CHO-KLAT and PedsQL data from 35 boys with severe haemophilia and 15 with moderate haemophilia. They ranged in age from 7.3 to 18.0 years, with a mean of 13.0 years. They reported a mean CHO-KLAT score of 72.3 (range = 44.1-93.9). The mean PedsQL score was 79.9 (range = 45.7-96.7), with physical health (mean of 83.9) being better than psychosocial health (77.8). The Pearson's correlation between CHO-KLAT and PedsQL was 0.47 respectively (P < 0.001). The CHO-KLAT had a moderate and inverse relationship with the degree to which they were bothered by their haemophilia (ρ = -0.53), while the PedsQL had a weaker relationship (ρ = -0.27).

CONCLUSION

The results confirm the validity of the Portuguese version of the CHO-KLAT. This measure is now available for clinical trials in boys with haemophilia in Brazil.

Matching-adjusted indirect comparisons of efficacy of BAY 81-8973 vs two recombinant factor VIII for the prophylactic treatment of severe hemophilia A

BACKGROUND

No head-to-head trials comparing recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) products currently exist. This was a matching-adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC) study of efficacy of BAY 81-8973 with antihemophilic factor (recombinant) plasma/albumin-free method (rAHF-PFM) and turoctocog alfa for the prophylaxis of severe hemophilia A.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted to identify trials of rAHF-PFM and turoctocog alfa. Comparisons were conducted using BAY 81-8973 individual patient data (IPD) from LEOPOLD trials and published data from rAHF-PFM and turoctocog alfa trials. Differences in outcome reporting were reconciled using transformation of BAY 81-8973 IPD. Patients in pooled LEOPOLD trials were weighted to match baseline characteristics for rAHF-PFM or turoctocog alfa trials using MAICs. After matching, annualized bleed rates (ABRs) were compared using weighted t-tests.

RESULTS

Two rAHF-PFM trials and one turoctocog alfa trial were identified. In these trials, rFVIIIs were dosed thrice weekly or every other day; in LEOPOLD trials, BAY 81-8973 was dosed twice- or thrice weekly. Three MAICs were conducted because the two rAHF-PFM trials calculated ABRs differently, matching for age, race, and weight (turoctocog alfa only). BAY 81-8973 had similar ABR of all bleeds vs rAHF-PFM (two trials: 4.8 vs 6.3, 1.9 vs 1.8 [square root transform]) and lower ABR of spontaneous bleeds and trauma bleeds (2.6 vs 4.1, 2.1 vs 4.7; both P<0.05). BAY 81-8973 showed lower ABR of all bleeds and spontaneous bleeds vs turoctocog alfa (4.3 vs 6.5, 2.8 vs 4.3; both P<0.05) and similar ABR of trauma bleeds (1.5 vs 1.6). In subgroup analysis, twice-weekly BAY 81-8973 had similar ABRs of all bleeds, spontaneous bleeds, and trauma bleeds compared to rAHF-PFM and turoctocog alfa.

CONCLUSION

This indirect comparison found that prophylaxis with BAY 81-8973, even including the lower frequency of two times a week and lower factor VIII consumption, has efficacy comparable to rAHF-PFM and turoctocog alfa, which were dosed thrice weekly or every other day. The use of IPD enabled adjustments for differences in calculation of ABRs and population characteristics between trials.