Total knee arthroplasty in severe haemophilic patients under continuous infusion of clotting factors

Total Knee Arthroplasty in People with Hemophilia: Higher Incidence of Periprosthetic Joint Infection and 1-Year Revision/Re-Operation than the General Population and Lower Prosthetic Survival When Early Postoperative Bleeding Complications Occurred: Current Literature Review

The purpose of this narrative review of the recent literature is to analyze the outcomes, complications, and implant survival of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) carried out on people with hemophilia (PWH). It has been shown that TKA substantially alleviates preoperative pain and improves knee function and the patient's quality of life. However, the complication rates of TKA range between 8.5% and 28.7, with postoperative hemarthrosis being the most frequent (7.6%). Besides, when comparing if the TKA was implanted before or after the year 2000, a reduction was found in the rates of periprosthetic joint infection-PJI (6.2% to 3.9%) and aseptic loosening (3.8% to 2.1%). Comparing prosthesis survival between PWH who had suffered early postoperative bleeding complications (EPBC) and patients who did not suffer EBPC, the mean survival duration was 17 years for the EPBC group and 22.1 years for the non-EPBC group. Survival rates were 80% for the EPBC group and 96.4% for the non-EPBC group. Compared to patients without hemophilia, PWH had a substantially higher incidence of PJI (Odds Ratio-OR 1.6) and 1-year revision/re-operation (OR 1.4). In short, although TKA substantially improves the quality of life of PWH, it is an intervention that has a non-negligible percentage of complications. TKA in PWH should preferably be performed only in highly specialized centers for the orthopedic treatment of hemophilia.

Total knee arthroplasty in patients with haemophilic arthropathy is effective and safe according to the outcomes at a mid-term follow-up

BACKGROUND

Haemophilic arthropathy (HA), a common complication of haemophilia, is secondary to recurrent joint bleeding and increases the prevalence of end-stage osteoarthritis (OA). Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a reliable treatment for haemophilia patients. This study was performed to evaluate the mid-term outcomes of TKA for end-stage HA. We hypothesized that the rate of complications of TKA is higher for patients with haemophilia than for patients without haemophilia.

METHODS

Patients with HA undergoing TKA from January 2015 to December 2016 in our centre were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were managed by a multidisciplinary team. The improvements in flexion contracture, range of motion (ROM), Knee Society Score (KSS; clinical and functional), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, and satisfaction at final follow-up were analysed to evaluate the effectiveness of TKA in HA. The complications were analysed to evaluate the safety of TKA in HA.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients (32 knees) were included in the study. The follow-up was 69.1 ± 5.1 months. Significant differences between the preoperative and final follow-up values of flexion contracture (which changed from 21.1 ± 6.5° to 14.3 ± 4.1°, P < 0.001), ROM (from 53.9 ± 15.0° to 70.3 ± 16.3°, P < 0.001), clinical KSS (from 33.5 ± 14.4° to 62.7 ± 9.5°, P < 0.001), functional KSS (from 46.1 ± 15.5° to 62.9 ± 9.7°, P < 0.001), and VAS score (from 6.8 ± 1.4 to 4.9 ± 1.3, P < 0.01) were observed. Importantly, the incidence of complications was 15.6% and the satisfaction was 100% in our mid-term study.

CONCLUSION

Under elaborative and comprehensive management, TKA is effective and safe in patients with advanced HA on the basis of mid-term follow-up outcomes.

Continuous Infusion of Factor VIII and von Willebrand Factor in Surgery: Trials with pdFVIII LFB or pdVWF LFB in Patients with Bleeding Disorders

INTRODUCTION

A plasma-derived factor VIII product (pdFVIII, Factane 100 or 200 IU/mL) and a plasma-derived von Willebrand factor product (pdVWF, Wilfactin 100 IU/mL) are approved for replacement therapy by intravenous bolus injections in haemophilia A (HA) and von Willebrand disease (VWD), respectively. However, in situations requiring intensive treatment, continuous infusion (CI) may be desirable to better control target plasma factor levels.

AIM

To evaluate the perioperative haemostatic efficacy and safety of these concentrates administered by CI.

METHODS

Three phase III trials were conducted. Adults with HA (FVIII:C <1%) (Studies 1 and 2) or VWD (VWF:RCo <20%) (Study 3) received a preoperative bolus followed by CI of undiluted concentrate for at least 6 days. Bolus doses and CI rates were based on individual recovery and clearance, respectively. Initial infusion rate had to be higher for 48 hours for HA and 24 hours for VWD patients to anticipate potential fluctuations of factor concentrations during major surgery. Target levels of FVIII:C in HA and VWF:RCo in VWD were 80 and 70 IU/dL, respectively. Efficacy was assessed using a global haemostatic efficacy score.

RESULTS

Studies 1, 2, and 3 included 12, 4 and 6 patients, respectively. Efficacy outcomes were excellent/good in all 22 major surgeries including 18 orthopaedic procedures. Most daily measured FVIII and VWF levels (92%) were on target. No safety concerns, thrombotic events or inhibitors were identified.

CONCLUSION

pdFVIII and pdVWF administered by CI represent an effective and safe alternative to bolus injections in patients with severe HA or VWD undergoing surgery.

How much preoperative flexion contracture is a predictor for residual flexion contracture after total knee arthroplasty in hemophilic arthropathy and rheumatoid arthritis?

Background

Although total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in hemophilic arthropathy (HA) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can improve functional ability, the postoperative range of motion (ROM) and prosthesis durability are reduced compared with those in osteoarthritic patients.

Aim

We aimed to compare (1) the pre- and postoperative flexion contracture after TKA in HA and RA, (2) the threshold of preoperative flexion contracture as a predictor of residual contracture > 15° after TKA, and (3) the survival rate.

Methods

Data from a consecutive cohort comprising 48 TKAs in HA and 92 TKAs in RA were retrospectively reviewed. The degree of flexion contracture was analyzed. Through receiver operating characteristics analysis, we aimed to determine the cutoff value of preoperative flexion contracture that increases the risk of residual contracture > 15° after TKA and compare the cutoff value in HA and RA. The survival rate was evaluated based on life table analysis and the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

The degree of preoperative flexion contracture was not significantly different. The degree of postoperative residual flexion contracture was 5.6° in the HA group and 1.4° in the RA group, respectively (p < 0.001). The cutoff value of preoperative flexion contracture for residual contracture of > 15° at last-follow up was 25.0° in the HA group and 32.5° in the RA group. The 5- and 12-year survival rates were 96% and 87% in the HA and 99% and 95% in the RA group, respectively (n.s.).

Conclusions

The postoperative residual flexion contracture was greater and the cutoff value of preoperative flexion contracture for residual contracture was smaller in the HA group than the RA group. Appropriate intra- and postoperative care to avoid postoperative residual contracture is required in HA patients.

Level of evidence

III.

Total Knee Arthroplasty in Hemophilia: Survivorship and Outcomes-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Patients with hemophilia (PWHs) may experience spontaneous or traumatic bleeding episodes. Recurrent bleeding can lead to end-stage hemophilic arthropathy and total knee replacement (TKR) provides an effective treatment. The aim of this study is to investigate outcomes in PWHs who undergo TKR.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Study outcomes included patient-reported functional outcomes, implant survivorship, and complications. Subgroup analysis was performed assessing the effect of recombinant prophylaxis medication by comparing studies that included only TKRs performed after the year 2000 (period A), to those that included TKRs before 2000 (period B).

RESULTS

Twenty-eight studies were included, with a total of 1210 TKRs performed in 917 PWHs. The mean age of patients was 38.5 years (standard deviation 5.1) with a mean length of follow-up of 7.1 years (standard deviation 2.9). The total complication rate was 28.7%, with 19.3% requiring a further procedure. Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Score improved by 44.6 points (confidence interval 38.9-50.4) and Knee Society Score function improved by 35.9 points (confidence interval 30.1-41.8). Total range of motion improved by 22.3°. The most common complication was post-operative hemarthrosis (7.6%, 92 TKRs). Deep infection (6.2% vs 3.9%) and aseptic loosening (3.8% vs 2.1%) rates fell between period B and period A.

CONCLUSION

TKR in PWHs is a successful procedure improving function, reducing pain, and improving range of motion. PWHs undergo TKR at a younger age and have a higher risk of complications, though contemporary treatment has reduced these risks. PWHs can expect similar survivorship to the general population.

Perioperative haematological outcomes following total knee arthroplasty in haemophiliacs

PURPOSE

Patients with haemophilia suffer from recurrent joint haemarthrosis. This can progress to symptomatic arthropathy commonly affecting the knee. While modern coagulation strategies have reduced those proceeding to end-stage arthropathy, total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains the optimal treatment for some patients. Despite innovation in perioperative haematological management, concerns about the potential for excessive haemorrhage still exist. The aim of this study is to quantify immediate postoperative blood loss and haematological complications in haemophiliacs following TKA.

METHODS

A retrospective study of patients with haemophilia types A or B who underwent a TKA over a 12-year period at a single institution was conducted. These patients were compared to both a non-haemophiliac control group and to published standards in non-haemophiliacs undergoing TKA.

RESULTS

Twenty-one TKA procedures in 18 patients (72% haemophilia A, 28% haemophilia B) were suitable for inclusion with a mean age of 44 years. The mean haemoglobin drops at 24 and 48 h postoperatively were 2.7 g/dl and 3.8 g/dl respectively. There was no significant difference in haemoglobin drop at 48 h postoperatively when compared to the non-haemophiliac control group (P = 0.2644). There were no immediate perioperative complications and two patients (9.6%) required postoperative transfusion.

CONCLUSION

Haemophiliacs undergoing a unilateral primary TKA in a specialised tertiary referral centre appear to have comparable rates of perioperative blood loss when compared to both a non-haemophiliac control group as and published haemostatic standards in non-haemophiliac patients following TKA. Perioperative management with expert orthopaedic and haematological input is recommended to optimise outcomes in this complex patient group.

Ankle fusion in hemophilic patients

INTRODUCTION

Hemophilic arthropathy is painful and disabling. We report a retrospective study of ankle fusion with intra- and peri-operative clotting factor perfusion. The objective was to assess the efficacy of maintaining perioperative clotting factor rates close to 100%, and report long-term results. The study hypothesis was that results would be good, without early hemorrhagic complications.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Between 2000 and 2013, 12 ankle fusions were performed in 9 patients, with a mean age of 39years (range, 19-58years). Anti-hemophilic factor perfusion was controlled by the reference physician of the Regional Hemophilia Treatment Center. Clinical AOFAS and Olerud scores and the Pettersson radiologic score were used for assessment. Mean preoperative AOFAS score was 22 (range, 2-55) and mean Olerud score 7 (range, 5-12). Mean preoperative factor VIII concentration was <1% (range, <1-3%).

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 8years (range, 2-16years). Mean AOFAS score at follow-up was 69 (range, 35-92) and mean Olerud score 70 (range, 30-100). Improvement mainly concerned the Pain dimension. Statistical analysis found a significant difference between pre- and post-operative clinical scores (AOFAS, P=0.004; Olerud, P=0.004). Mean factor VIII concentration at surgery was 90% (range, 24-117%), and 109% (range, 75-152%) the day following surgery. There were no cases of hematoma or surgical site infection. Radiologic fusion was systematic at a mean 3.5 months (range, 3-4months).

CONCLUSION

The study hypothesis was confirmed. Ankle fusion in advanced hemophilic arthropathy improved function and quality of life. Perioperative clotting factor perfusion contributed to these good results, providing supplementary prevention of hemorrhagic risk.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, retrospective study.

Mid-term outcomes and complications of total knee arthroplasty in haemophilic arthropathy: A review of consecutive 131 knees between 2006 and 2015 in a single institute

INTRODUCTION

Although total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in haemophilic arthropathy can reduce severe joint pain and improve functional disability, it is technically demanding.

AIM

To evaluate mid-term outcomes and complications of TKA in haemophilic arthropathy.

METHODS

This study retrospectively reviewed 131 consecutive primary TKAs in a single institute. The mean age was 41.0 years old, and the mean follow-up period was 6.8 years. Clinical and radiographic results were evaluated. Complications were categorized according to the classification system of the Knee Society for TKA complications.

RESULTS

The average Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) score improved from 66.0 to 24.2. The average flexion contracture significantly decreased from 17.3° to 4.7°, but the average pre- and postoperative maximum flexion did not differ (80.9° vs 85.6°, respectively). The average mechanical axis was varus 5.2° preoperatively and valgus 0.3° postoperatively. The coronal positions of the femoral and tibial components and the sagittal positions of these components were within ±3° in 83.2%, 89.3%, 63.4% and 73.3% of cases, respectively. Complications occurred in 17 knees (13.0%): hemarthrosis (n = 7), medial collateral ligament injury (n = 1), stiffness (n = 2), deep periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) (n = 3) and periprosthetic fracture (n = 4).

CONCLUSIONS

The mid-term results of TKA in haemophilic arthropathy were satisfactory in pain relief, improved function and decreased flexion contracture. Bleeding and PJI continue to be major concerns for TKA in haemophilic arthropathy, and risk of periprosthetic fracture must be taken into account for patient education and appropriate prevention.

Long-term results of total knee arthroplasty in haemophilic patients: an 18-year follow-up

PURPOSE

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for patients with end-stage haemophilic arthropathy is considered to be a successful procedure with satisfying mid- to long-term results. It was the purpose of this study to provide clinical and radiological long-term results of TKAs implanted in a consecutive cohort of haemophilic patients.

METHODS

Primary TKA was performed in 43 consecutive knees in 30 haemophilic patients. After a mean of 18 (SD ± 4) years, 15 patients (21 knees) with a mean age of 58 (SD ± 8) years were available for follow-up. The outcome was assessed using the Knee Society score, WOMAC, SF-36, Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis as well as radiographic evaluation of radiolucency.

RESULTS

In 13 (30%) of the 43 consecutive knees, revision surgery was necessary due to infection or aseptic loosening, among which eight (19%) due to aseptic loosening and five (12%) due to haematogenous infection. The calculated 20-year survival rates with revision for any reason or infection as the end points were 59 and 82%, respectively. All patients with the primary TKA in situ observed progressive radiolucent lines around the implants at the final follow-up. The Knee Society clinical and functional score significantly improved from pre- (36 points; SD ± 16 and 62 points; SD ± 19) to post-operatively (73 points; SD ± 15 and 78 points; SD ± 18; p < 0.001). Eighty-six per cent rated their result as either good or excellent. Whereas flexion did not improve, flexion contracture could be reduced significantly from 18° (SD ± 12) to 6° (SD ± 5; p < 0.001) post-operatively.

CONCLUSION

Total knee arthroplasty in haemophilic patients is associated with high revision, loosening and infection rates after 18 years. However, if revision can be avoided, joint replacement in haemophilic patients helps to relieve pain, achieve higher subjective satisfaction and to restore knee function. Level of evidence IV.

Continuous infusion of coagulation factor concentrates during intensive treatment

In clinical management of bleeds and surgical procedures in patients suffering from bleeding disorders either repetitive bolus injections (BI) or continuous infusion (CI) can be used for coagulation factor replacement. Continuous infusion seems to be an attractive route of administration and may be considered if replacement therapy is required for more than 3 days. The strongest argument favouring continuous infusion is its superiority in providing the patient with a safe and constant level of the deficient coagulation factor by balancing input with clearance. Furthermore, several studies have shown that coagulation factor consumption may be reduced by CI compared to repetitive bolus injections (BI) since unnecessary peaks of factor level are avoided. Concerns have been raised whether continuous infusion of coagulation concentrates is associated with an increased risk of developing inhibitors. However, available data have so far not shown an increased risk for inhibitor development in severe haemophilia patients with more than 50 exposure days of coagulation factor concentrates. Further, previously reported complications when using CI such as phlebitis at the infusion site and pump failure are nowadays very seldom seen when small amounts of heparin are added to the infusion bag, and increased quality of the pumps are available. Over the last decades, numerous reports have confirmed CI to be a safe and effective mode of coagulation factor replacement even in the most challenging surgical procedures, such as total joint arthroplasties.

Comparison of continuous infusion versus bolus injection of factor concentrates for blood management after total knee arthroplasty in patients with hemophilia

Background

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has become the treatment of choice for end-stage hemophilic arthropathy of the knee. Theoretically in hemophilia A, perioperative continuous infusion (CI) of factor VIII (FVIII) would provide a more consistent FVIII level than general bolus injections (BI) in TKA. Current study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of CI of coagulation factor concentrates during the perioperative period compared to BI.

Methods

A total of 42 TKAs were performed in 31 patients with severe hemophilia A. Under the supervision of a multidisciplinary hemophilia team, CI and BI were monitored during application of a standardized regimen. Perioperative clinical parameters including postoperative hemoglobin drop, drained blood volume, transfusion rate, total consumption of FVIII, and perioperative complications were assessed.

Results

The difference in the postoperative hemoglobin drop was significant between two groups with a lower decrease in the CI group (p = 0.002). The drained blood volume for postoperative 24 h was significantly lower in the CI than the BI groups (p = 0.037). Total consumption of factor concentrates for postoperative 5 days was greater in the CI group than in the BI group (p = 0.000). One postoperative hematoma and wound dehiscence occurred in BI group and no other complication developed.

Conclusions

Although good control of hemostasis could be achieved using either method during the perioperative period of TKA, CI seems more tolerable and effective than BI to provide perioperative blood management undergoing TKA in patients with hemophilia.

Trial registration

The study was retrospectively registered in WHO ICTRP under identifier KCT0002404 (date of registration: August 04, 2017).

Perioperative Period of a Hemophilia-related Osteoarthropathy Therapeutic Regimen and Analysis of Complications

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effectiveness of our department's therapeutic regimen and treatment of complications during the perioperative period of hemophilia-related osteoarthropathy.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, data on 101 patients with hemophilia who had undergone operative treatment in our hospital from January 2000 to August 2014 were assessed. Ninety-one of the patients had hemophilia A and 10 hemophilia B. All patients were male. Changes in Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), Harris and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, occurrence of complications during the perioperative period and the clinical treatment and prognosis pre- and postoperatively and during follow-up were analyzed. Relevant clinical data were obtained through telephone calls, outpatient follow-up, and medical clinical record searches.

RESULTS

The 101 patients who were followed up (for an average of 96 months) had 147 orthopedic operations, including joint replacement, hemophilia-related false tumor resections, and tendo-achillis lengthening. The HSS scores for knee surgeries increased from 52 points preoperatively to 86 postoperatively, Harris scores for hip joint surgery from 26 to 87 points, respectively, and AOFAS scores for foot and ankle surgeries from 39 to 81 points, respectively. Eight patients had wound complications, four intra-articular hematomas, two peroneal nerve injuries, one a proximal femur splitting fracture and one deep venous thrombosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical treatment is a safe and reliable choice for addressing complications including hemophilia-related osteoarthropathy given the implementation of effective measures for treatment during the perioperative period.

Declining trends in invasive orthopedic interventions for people with hemophilia enrolled in the Universal Data Collection program (2000-2010)

INTRODUCTION

Recurrent joint hemarthroses due to hemophilia (Factor VIII and Factor IX deficiency) often lead to invasive orthopedic interventions to decrease frequency of bleeding and/or to alleviate pain associated with end-stage hemophilic arthropathy.

AIM

Identify trends in invasive orthopedic interventions among people with hemophilia who were enrolled in the Universal Data Collection (UDC) program during the period 2000-2010.

METHODS

Data were collected from 130 hemophilia treatment centers in the United States annually during the period 2000-2010, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The number of visits in which an invasive orthopedic intervention was reported was expressed as a proportion of the total visits in each year of the program. Invasive orthopedic interventions consisted of arthroplasty, arthrodesis, and synovectomy. Joints included in this study were the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle.

RESULTS

A 5.6% decrease in all invasive orthopedic interventions in all joints of people with hemophilia enrolled in the UDC program over the 11-year study period was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

These data reflect a declining trend in invasive orthopedic interventions in people with hemophilia. Further research is needed to understand the characteristics that may influence invasive orthopedic interventions.

Simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty in severe hemophilia: a retrospective cost-effectiveness analysis

INTRODUCTION

Simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is proposed in the general population as an alternative to staged bilateral TKA and has the advantage of reducing costs with equivalent complication rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of this alternative in a population of patients with severe hemophilia.

HYPOTHESIS

Simultaneous bilateral TKA is less expensive than staged bilateral TKA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective case control study in patients with severe hemophilia A to compare the direct costs of coagulation factors, the length of hospital stay and sick leave as well as the clinical outcome (KKS) of simultaneous bilateral TKA (group 1; G1: 5 patients) and staged bilateral TKA (group 2; G2: 12 patients).

RESULTS

The mean cost of coagulation factors was 65,880 € in G1 and 139,000 € in G2 (P<0.001). The length of the hospital stay (24 days vs 44 cumulative days, respectively) and sick leave (105 days vs 183 cumulative days, respectively) was significantly reduced in G1. There was no significant difference in clinical outcome at the final follow-up. One patient in G2 had a late knee infection.

DISCUSSION

Simultaneous bilateral TKA in severe hemophilia is associated with lower costs than staged bilateral TKA with equivalent clinical results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3, case control study.

Outcome of total knee arthroplasty in hemophilic arthropathy

The clinical histories of 45 consecutively performed TKAs in 32 patients with hereditary bleeding disorders were reviewed retrospectively. The mean follow up was 88.7 (range, 24-232) months. The cumulative probability of infection free-survival was 87.8% after 180 months. When removal of component was defined as endpoint, the survival probability was 86.4% after 180 months. In regression analysis no significant independent risk factors for infection or aseptic loosening were identified. The HSS score improved significantly from 45 to 85 points. Hemophilic patients can be considered to be at high risk for prosthetic failure, our study has demonstrated favorable functional results of total knee arthroplasty in hemophilic patients.