Better adherence to prescribed treatment regimen is related to less chronic pain among adolescents and young adults with moderate or severe haemophilia

Adherence and Quality of Life in Adult Patients With Haemophilia A, Haemophilia B and Von Willebrand Disease: A National Cross-Sectional Survey

BACKGROUND

New treatments for patients with bleeding disorders (PWB) have emerged, including products with extended half-life and subcutaneous administration. These less frequent treatments can potentially enhance quality of life (QoL), but adherence becomes critically important.

AIM

To investigate adherence and QoL among PWB and explore the correlation between treatment adherence and QoL in adult patients with haemophilia A (HA), haemophilia B (HB) and Von Willebrand disease (vWD) in Denmark.

METHOD

This survey used disease-specific patient-reported questionnaires: Veritas-PRO and Veritas-PRN to measure adherence, and Haemo-A-QoL and VWD-QoL to assess QoL.

RESULTS

Responses were obtained from 149 patients with HA, 32 with HB and 118 with vWD. Adherence was reported by 87.1% of patients on prophylaxis and 71.2% of patients treated on demand, according to Veritas-PRO and Veritas-PRN cut-off scores. High QoL was generally reported, decreasing with age in HA and HB, but not in vWD.

CONCLUSION

Danish patients with HA, HB and vWD reported high QoL and high adherence to prescribed treatments. There was no correlation between treatment adherence and QoL among the different patient groups. These findings highlight the need for further research to better understand adherence behaviours and identify opportunities to further improve QoL in PWB.

Teenagers and Adolescents with Hemophilia-Need for a Specific Approach

Adolescents with hemophilia are a patient population with special requirements, having to manage their condition alongside the typical challenges of adolescence. Given the psychosocial impact of hemophilia and a desire to fit in with non-hemophilic peers, they may perceive treatment as more of a burden than a benefit. This can result in low adherence and a high risk of hemophilia-related complications. Hemophilia management has changed over time. To best inform shared decision-making with adolescent patients and their families, healthcare professionals must consider all the currently available evidence, highlighting treatment benefits as appropriate. They should also appreciate the requirements of all adolescents affected by hemophilia, including individuals with non-severe disease and girls/women. We discuss specific issues relating to the management of adolescents with hemophilia: prevention and management of bleeds, treatment adherence, joint health and physical activity, and other health-related issues. A multidisciplinary approach is advocated, and the potential role of digital technology in helping to equip patients with self-management skills to fully engage with treatment is considered. Currently, available hemophilia management generally enables adolescents with hemophilia to lead normal lives, participating in physical activities while maintaining good joint health. However, more work is required to help address both actual and perceived limitations.

Changes in Quality of Life, Adherence, and Kinesiophobia in Patients with Hemophilia Treated with Extended Half-Life Treatment: Final Results of the LongHest Project

(1) Background: Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder characterized by hemarthrosis. Prophylaxis is the gold standard for bleeding prevention. Extended half-life (EHL) recombinant FVIII replacement products have shown to be associated with low bleeding rates. The aim was to evaluate the efficacy of EHL prophylaxis in improving perceived quality of life, adherence to treatment, and kinesiophobia in patients with hemophilia. (2) Methods: This was a prospective cohort study. Forty-six patients from different regions, who had started EHL FVIII concentrate prophylactic treatment, were evaluated at baseline and at 12-month follow-up. The study variables were as follows: perceived quality of life (36-Item Short Form Health Survey), adherence to treatment (Validated Hemophilia Regimen Treatment Adherence Scale-Prophylaxis), and kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia). (3) Results: There were statistically significant differences in the domains Role-Physical (p < 0.001), Bodily Pain (p < 0.001), Role-Emotional (p < 0.001), Vitality (p = 0.04), and Social Functioning (p = 0.01) and the total scores, Physical Health (p < 0.001) and Mental Health (p < 0.001) on perceived quality of life. There were significant differences in the domains Skipping (p < 0.01), Communicating (p < 0.001), and the total score (p = 0.01) in terms of adherence. There were also significant differences in kinesiophobia (p = 0.02) after the study period. (4) Conclusions: EHL prophylaxis can improve the perceived quality of life of people with hemophilia. This prophylactic regimen, which requires fewer infusions, may improve adherence to treatment in adult patients with hemophilia over a 12-month period. The administration of extended half-life factor VIII concentrates can reduce kinesiophobia in adult patients with hemophilic arthropathy.

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Distress, Depression, and Quality of Life in people with hemophilia

Hemophilia-related distress (HRD) has been shown to be higher among those with lower educational attainment, but potential racial/ethnic differences have not been previously described. Thus, we examined HRD according to race/ethnicity. This cross-sectional study was a planned secondary analysis of the hemophilia-related distress questionnaire (HRDq) validation study data. Adults aged ≥ 18 years with Hemophilia A or B were recruited from one of two hemophilia treatment centers between July 2017-December 2019. HRDq scores can range from 0-120, and higher scores indicate higher distress. Self-reported race/ethnicity was grouped as Hispanic, non-Hispanic White (NHW) and non-Hispanic Black (NHB). Unadjusted and multivariable linear regression models were used to examine mediators of race/ethnicity and HRDq scores. Among 149 participants enrolled, 143 completed the HRDq and were included in analyses. Approximately 17.5% of participants were NHB, 9.1% were Hispanic and 72.0% were NHW. HRDq scores ranged from 2 to 83, with a mean of 35.1 [standard deviation (SD) = 16.5]. Average HRDq scores were significantly higher among NHB participants (mean = 42.6,SD = 20.6; p-value = .038) and similar in Hispanic participants (mean = 33.8,SD = 16.7, p-value = .89) compared to NHW (mean = 33.2,SD = 14.9) participants. In multivariable models, differences between NHB vs NHW participants persisted when adjusting for inhibitor status, severity, and target joint. However, after household income was adjusted for, differences in HRDq scores were no longer statistically significant (β = 6.0 SD = 3.7; p-value = .10). NHB participants reported higher HRD than NHW participants. Household income mediated higher distress scores in NHB compared to NHW participants, highlighting the urgent need to understand social determinants of health and financial hardship in persons with hemophilia.

A post hoc analysis of PROTECT VIII kids assessing long-term efficacy and safety of damoctocog alfa pegol in adolescents with severe haemophilia A

INTRODUCTION

The safety and efficacy of the extended half-life factor VIII (FVIII) product damoctocog alfa pegol (BAY 94-9027, Jivi®) has been demonstrated in the PROTECT VIII Kids study (NCT01775618), where male previously-treated patients (PTPs) aged <12 years old with severe haemophilia A and ≥ 50 exposure days (EDs) were treated prophylactically. The PROTECT VIII Kids extension study assessed the long-term safety and efficacy of damoctocog alfa pegol in the same population.

AIM

To evaluate the long-term impact of damoctocog alfa pegol in a post hoc subgroup analysis of adolescent patients in the PROTECT VIII Kids study and its extension from 12th birthday onwards.

METHODS

The current analysis included PTPs aged ≥12 years old, who remained in the extension for ≥6 months following their 12th birthday. The observation period was defined as the time from 12th birthday to the end of the extension period; all data from this birthday were included whether in the main study or extension phase. The main efficacy variable was annualised bleeding rate (ABR) and the main safety variable was the frequency of inhibitor development.

RESULTS

This subgroup analysis comprised 25 patients. Median observation time after 12th birthday was 3.2 years. Median total/joint/spontaneous ABRs in the observation period were 1.7/0.7/0.3, respectively. Safety findings were consistent with those reported for the overall study population; no confirmed FVIII inhibitors or anti-drug antibodies were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Damoctocog alfa pegol is efficacious with a favourable safety profile in adolescents with haemophilia A, supporting its long-term use in children and adolescents.

Adherence tool for prophylactic haemophilia treatment in adult and adolescent patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

Hemophilia is a congenital bleeding disorder resulting from a low level or deficiency of clotting factors. It is an x-linked recessive disease and happens almost exclusively in males whereas females are the carrier of the affected gene. The most common types of hemophilia are hemophilia A and Hemophilia B. Hemophilia is classified into mild, moderate and severe. Prophylaxis treatment has more advantages clinically compare to on-demand therapy. It may reduce the bleeding frequency, gives protection from joint damage, may lower the number of total bleeding episodes per year, and may reduce annualised spontaneous and trauma related bleeding events. However, prophylaxis treatment needs regular weekly infusions therefore it is painful to administer especially if the vein is difficult to access. It may cause pain at the site of injections and may lead to non-adherence to treatment. Non-adherence to a regimen will result in insufficient clotting factor levels in the body. The efficacy of the medication is reduced and may lead to a high bleeding tendency. Thus far, the study on adult haemophilic patient adherence tool is scarce and limited; and therefore this review is warranted. The study protocol is conducted as per the PRISMA-P guideline. There are 4 concepts in this systematic review which are Haemophilia, adult and adolescence, preventive treatment and adherence. Articles will be sought from electronic databases PUBMED, Ovid EMBASE, CINAHL, and SCOPUS using the MeSH term, synonym free-text word, truncation, and proximity operators as per each database. The proposed keywords within each concept will be joined using the Boolean operator "OR "and the 4 different concepts combined using the Boolean operator "AND". Search will be limited to Human, English language, and publication until 2022. Studies will be included if they meet the study inclusion criteria. The quality of the studies will be appraised using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale (NOS) for observation-based studies. This systematic review does not require formal ethical approval as data will be extracted from selected published studies. The results will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication and relevant conference presentations.(PROSPERO registration CRD42021273813).

Pain coping behaviour strategies in people with haemophilia: A systematic literature review

INTRODUCTION

Despite the fact that joint bleeds (haemarthrosis) frequently occur in people with haemophilia (PwH) with invalidating arthropathies as result, the clinical pain experience has received only limited attention. A sudden increase in pain intensity can be linked to a bleed, but in most cases, no acute bleed is confirmed. Nevertheless, a patient's perception of an acute bleed as cause of the pain might impact the patients' behaviour in response to pain. It is therefore essential to gain more insight into pain coping strategies seen in PwH.

AIM

This systematic review aims to identify the range of pain coping behaviour strategies used among PwH and the factors associated with pain coping behaviour.

METHODS

This review was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines (PRISMA). PubMed and Web of Science were systematically screened for relevant literature using keyword combinations related to adult PwH, pain and pain coping behaviour strategies. Risk of bias was assessed with the modified Newcastle-Ottowa Scale.

RESULTS

Eleven full text articles (nine cross-sectional and two comparative studies) consisting of 1832 PwH met the inclusion criteria. Due to the heterogeneity of the study samples, quality of evaluation instruments and varying risk of bias, it was difficult to draw conclusions regarding the used pain coping behaviour strategies and associated factors.

CONCLUSION

Literature on pain coping behaviour strategies and associated factors in PwH is still scarce and describes heterogenous results. Validated haemophilia-specific instruments are warranted to inventory pain coping behaviour in a standardized way.

A preliminary application of a haemophilia value framework to emerging therapies in haemophilia

INTRODUCTION

Emergence of new therapies are anticipated to improve clinical outcomes and quality of life of persons with haemophilia. Challenges in conducting randomized clinical trials in rare diseases have resulted in a lack of direct head-to-head comparisons to support value-based decision-making between different treatments.

METHODS

We conducted a literature review for new and emerging haemophilia A and B therapies (extended half-life [EHL] replacement factor, non-replacement therapies [NRT], and gene therapies [GT]) to identify differentiating patient-centred outcomes defined previously in a haemophilia value framework. Since the literature included all publication types (e.g., surveys, modelling studies, commentaries/reviews), collected data were assigned level of evidence scores.

RESULTS

Across different classes of therapies, bleeding was determined as the most frequently reported differentiating outcome, with EHL, NRT, and GT each demonstrating an advantage over comparator replacement therapies. EHL therapies for haemophilia A and B and NRT for haemophilia A showed good representation across Tier 1 outcomes (health status achieved/retained), while more publications were identified with Tier 2 (process of recovery) outcomes for NRT than EHL or GT. In Tier 3 (sustainability of health), frequency of breakthrough bleeds represented a differentiating outcome for EHL (both haemophilia A and B), NRT (haemophilia A only), and GT (haemophilia B only), whereas sustained good health was differentiating for most comparisons.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate the utility of the haemophilia value framework as a common core outcome set for effectively comparing therapies. Application of this framework will serve as a useful decision-making tool for patients, clinicians, and within health technology assessments.

KEY POINTS OF CONSIDERATION

With the emergence of high-cost, paradigm changing treatments across multiple areas of medicine, we, the haemophilia community, need to be equipped to meet the growing demands for more rigorous evidence-based value assessments using the tools expected by assessors. The traditional access toolbox needs to evolve to meet the paradigm shift in treatment options. Value can no longer be defined by annualized bleed rates alone. To realize the full impact of new therapies, we need to utilize tools, such as a value framework, to organize evidence, identify data gaps, and assess patient-defined, meaningful outcomes across a multi-faceted dimension. The haemophilia value framework is an effective tool for organizing the available evidence and identifying gaps in the evidence. This can be used for assessing the value of emerging therapies in haemophilia utilizing data generated through randomized clinical trials and real world evidence generation. This is a call for incorporating the Value Framework into official submissions to authorities, as it captures a broader range of outcomes, including patient meaningful outcomes, in ways that better assess the potential benefits of new therapies.

Overcoming the challenges of treating hemophilia in resource-limited nations: a focus on medication access and adherence

BACKGROUND

Hemophilia is a high cost low volume disease. Resource limited nations (RLN) usually spend very little on health budget and most of it is spent in dealing with common ailments. Clotting products constitute more than 90% of the total cost of hemophilia care. The manner in which these products can be made accessible for persons with hemophilia (PWH) and how its continuous supply and distribution can be maintained and improved is described in this review.

AREAS COVERED

Number of PWH in the Resource Limited Nations (RLN); minimum amount of concentrate required to keep a PWH relatively free of bleeds; the different products available for management of PWH; means and ways to minimize and optimize the concentrate usage and purchase on a budget; nonfactor therapy; ways and means to improve the management and allow better quality concentrates in higher quantities for PWH in those countries; adherence as a challenge for RLN country and ways to manage them. The time covered is from 1980s till date. Pubmed was searched mainly for review articles with the key words hemophilia, RLN, concentrate access, alternative therapy. Cross references from these reviews as well as some of the abstracts from international conferences were read.

EXPERT OPINION

Developing a patient's society and a bleeding disorder registry are the two most important actions toward ensuring adequate treatment material for PWH in RLN. Government should allocate a budget for hemophilia care depending on the number of PWH diagnosed and future projection of increased numbers of PWH. Population based product requirement may not work initially as only 10-20% of PWH in such a country has been diagnosed hence initial requirement of concentrates should be directed to these patients. Meanwhile efforts should be made to diagnose new cases. Antenatal diagnosis centers should offer antenatal diagnosis and prevent birth of severe hemophilia children. Self sufficiency in plasma based concentrates should be planned and aimed. A national tendering committee can get a good price on the concentrates on global tendering with annual rate contracts (prevents outdating). Avoiding wastage by outdating of the products in large denomination vials will help. Hoarding concentrates in unreasonable amounts should be avoided through good supply chain management. Regular physiotherapy, proper use of optimum amounts of concentrate will reduce per PWH consumption of the factor concentrates. Plasma derived intermediate purity factors, first/second generation recombinant clotting factors are safe and relatively cheaper as well as effective. Also concentrates which are close to their expiry date (>3 < 6 months) are equally effective and cheap. With proper supply chain management such products can be included in the portfolio. Primary prophylaxis with low/ intermediate dose of the concentrates is a cost-effective way to manage the patients and this also reduces inhibitor development. Adherence to therapy is not yet an important issue for RLN countries but will become one in future. With advancement and improvement the country can access alternative non factor concentrates and other newer products.

It's difficult to say no: Development of a parenting booklet about physical activity restrictions and recommendations in pediatric hemophilia

Physical activity restrictions can be particularly difficult for children with hemophilia and their parents, as most children want to engage in the same activities as their friends or siblings. This study aimed to assess parents' need for a booklet on how to manage physical activity restrictions based on the self-determination theory and gather their suggestions for the booklet's improvement in a focus group. Data were analyzed using thematic analyses to highlight to what extent the needs of parents were met by the booklet, as well as their suggestions for improvement. A discussion on the methodology of the booklet's creation is also presented.

Personalised Prophylaxis in a Child with Haemophilia A and Type 1 Diabetes

Poor management of either type 1 diabetes or haemophilia A can lead to complications such as organ dysfunction and haemarthropathy. Here, we describe the case of an 8-year-old boy diagnosed with severe haemophilia A shortly after birth. At 2 years old, he was also diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. After six years, the haemophilia treatment was changed from a plasma-derived factor VIII (FVIII) concentrate (octanate^®, Octapharma, Lachen, Switzerland) to Nuwiq^® (simocotocog alfa, Octapharma, Lachen, Switzerland), a recombinant FVIII (rFVIII) product from a human cell line, which allowed for a personalised treatment schedule that supported good adherence. The dosing regimen could be reduced to two weekly rFVIII infusions. The patient has experienced no spontaneous bleeds since switching to rFVIII and shows no signs of joint damage after over seven years of FVIII prophylaxis. rFVIII was well tolerated, with no treatment-related adverse events observed. This case illustrates the importance of treatment personalisation for young patients and their families managing concomitant diseases.

Validation of the Spanish Version of the VERITAS-PRN Scale to Assess Adherence to on Demand Regimens in Patients with Hemophilia

INTRODUCTION

The episodic or on-demand administration of clotting factor concentrates in hemophilia patients in the event of hemorrhage is employed to restore hemostasis. Adherence to on-demand treatments needs to be assessed in order to improve patient management, avoiding adverse effects and serious clinical complications.

AIM

To validate the Spanish version of the treatment adherence scale in patients with hemophilia, namely, Validated Hemophilia Regimen Treatment Adherence Scale-PRN (VERITAS-PRN).

METHODS

Eighty-five patients were recruited in three hemophilia patient associations in Spain. The VERITAS-PRN scale was adapted through a back-translation process from English to Spanish. A native Spanish bilingual translator translated the scale from English to Spanish, and subsequently another native English bilingual translator translated the scale from Spanish to English. The scale was applied twice (two months apart) to assess test-retest reliability.

RESULTS

Internal consistency reliability was slightly lower in the VERITAS-PRN in Spanish (0.80) versus the English version (0.85). There were no differences (p > 0.05) between the means of the dimensions or in the total scores between the sample of patients in Spain and the USA. The test-retest reliability coefficient of the scores on the total scale was 0.80 [CI, 0.74-0.86]. The test-retest reliability coefficient was greater than 0.90 in all subscales.

CONCLUSION

The Spanish version of VERITAS-PRN has high consistency and empirical validity. This scale is useful for assessing the degree of adherence to treatment in adult patients with hemophilia following episodic infusion treatment.

Physical activity and bleeding outcomes among people with severe hemophilia on extended half-life or conventional recombinant factors

BACKGROUND

Few have assessed physical activity (PA) and annual bleed rates (ABRs) among people with hemophilia on extended half-life (EHL) factors (recombinant factor VIII Fc [rFVIIIFc]/recombinant factor IX Fc [rFIXFc]) and conventional factors (recombinant factor VIII [rFVIII]/recombinant factor IX [rFIX]).

OBJECTIVE

To assess changes in PA and ABR at consecutive annual visits in individuals with severe hemophilia A and B (HA/HB) on prophylactic treatment with rFVIIIFc/rFIXFc versus rFVIII/rFIX.

PATIENTS/METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of 344 people with severe HA/HB (ages 6-35) receiving prophylaxis with rFVIIIFc/rFIXFc (EHL factors) or rFVIII/rFIX (conventional factors) for ≥6 months in 2014-2015. Differences in changes in outcomes from 2014 to 2015 were compared across the treatment groups.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics and adherence to the prophylactic regimen were similar across the treatment groups. Greater increase in weekly PA frequency and duration were observed among all EHL groups, except for children treated with rFIXFc. The increase in PA frequency was greater among the children on rFVIIIFc group, adults on rFVIIIFc group, and adults on rFIXFc group by 1.2, 1.2, and 1.4 events/week, respectively, compared to their rFVIII/rFIX counterparts. The increases in PA duration were 44, 60, and 80 min/wk greater among the children on rFVIIIFc, adults on rFVIIIFc, and adults on rFIXFc groups, respectively. Larger reductions in total ABR were observed in children and adults treated with rFVIIIFc compared to rFVIII (0.4 and 0.7 fewer bleeds). Larger reductions were also observed in spontaneous ABR in adult rFVIIIFc and rFIXFc groups (0.8 and 0.3 fewer bleeds, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that rFVIIIFc/FIXFc agents can positively impact PA while maintaining low ABRs.

Evaluation of the U.S. Adherence Questionnaires VERITAS-PRO and VERITAS-PRN for Use in Patients with Hemophilia in the German Healthcare System

AIM

 Since the U.S. adherence instruments VERITAS-PRO and VERITAS-PRN were developed in another healthcare system, we assumed that they are not appropriate for the German solidarity healthcare system. This study aims to evaluate the relevance of these instruments for the German healthcare system both by people with hemophilia (PWH) and by healthcare professionals (HCP).

METHODS

 A total of 50 PWH (23 adult hemophilia patients and 27 parents of children with hemophilia) and 25 HCP rated the relevance of the single items of the VERITAS-PRO and VERITAS-PRN on a 5-point Likert scale. In addition, both groups were asked to make suggestions for additional adherence questions. To investigate the relevance of these instruments, the accordance between the raters' evaluations was determined calculating the content validity index (CVI) and the content validity ratio (CVR) based on the critical values of the CVR (CVR_critical) to exclude chance and subjectivity.

RESULTS

 CVI (CVR) calculations revealed three (5) "very important" items for PWH and six (11) items for HCP. Only two (3) "very important" items were evaluated by both groups. Four domains were considered not important by both groups. Six PWH made 14 suggestions and 14 HCP made 24 suggestions for additional adherence questions.

CONCLUSION

 VERITAS-PRO and VERITAS-PRN have only very limited benefits for the German healthcare system. Since nonadherence has a great impact on the morbidity of PWH and on the costs for the healthcare system, there is a need for adherence instruments that are adapted to the specific needs of PWH in the German healthcare system.

Disease burden and remaining unmet need in patients with haemophilia A treated with primary prophylaxis

AIMS

There is evidence that people with haemophilia A still experience morbidity and functional limitation due to joint damage despite prophylaxis. This study aimed to compare their quality of life and work-related function with that of the general population and patients with osteoarthritis.

METHODS

Data from the Cost of Haemophilia in Europe: a Socioeconomic Survey (CHESS) database were compared with published data from normative populations and patients with osteoarthritis in Europe and the United States.

RESULTS

In the predominantly young (age 18-35 years) adult CHESS population treated with primary prophylaxis, about 30% reported a target joint; the average frequency of bleeds was one per year; half reported chronic pain. Levels of anxiety and depression were similar to those reported by people using on-demand treatment. Employment and productivity were lower than in the general population. The level of presenteeism (attending work with impairment) was comparable with that reported for a much older population with osteoarthritis who had more extensive joint damage and greater prevalence of pain.

CONCLUSION

Compared with the general population, clinical outcomes and quality of life are indicated to be impaired for young adults whose haemophilia is managed by primary prophylaxis. Primary prophylaxis is not associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression than on-demand treatment, and pain is common. The level of presenteeism is comparable to that reported in people with osteoarthritis, an older population with more joint disease. Further studies are needed to fully assess the implications of compromised work performance among young adults with haemophilia as they seek to build a career.

Chronic pain in patients with hemophilia: is it preventable?

: Current management of chronic pain in patients with hemophilia (PWH) focuses on pain relief with analgesics and symptom control. The clinical practice of managing chronic pain in PWH varies considerably across hemophilia treatment centers. Here, we aim to study the appropriate intervention of hemophilic arthropathy for prevention and treatment of chronic pain in PWH. Medline, Embase, Cochrane databases were searched for randomized controlled trials, and the European Hemophilia Therapy Standardization Board, The World Federation of Hemophilia, Nordic Hemophilia Guidelines, American Society of the International Pain Physicians and the Medical and Scientific Advisory Council guidelines were studied through November 2019 for chronic pain in PWH for a narrative review. We found no standardized approach for the prevention and management of chronic pain in PWH. Evidence suggests that prophylactic factor concentrate therapy, programmed exercise and educational intervention may help PWH manage their chronic pain.

Budget impact analysis of extended half-life recombinant factor IX (rFIXFc) in the treatment of haemophilia B

Introduction

Prophylaxis with factor IX (FIX) concentrates, produced by recombinant DNA technology (rFIX) or human plasma-derived concentrates, is the treatment of choice for haemophilia B (HB); rFIX covalently fused to the Fc domain of human immunoglobulin G1 (rFIXFc) allows for prophylaxis/treatment with one infusion every 7-14 days. The purpose of this study is to quantify the financial impact of prophylaxis with rFIXFc vs. other approved rFIX and reimbursed for treatment of HB in Italy.

Methods

The number of patients was estimated according to Italian epidemiological data and use of rFIX. Dose and frequency of administration used for weekly prophylaxis were those recommended in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC), while clinical trials and literature data were used to calculate bleeding rates and management. Drug costs were calculated using regional ex-factory net prices. In the model, a reference scenario (Reference) vs. an alternative scenario (Alternative) were created to account for introduction of rFIXFc, estimating an increasing trend of the market share of rFIXFc in a 3-year timeframe. The analysis was developed in the perspective of the National Health Service and included healthcare costs related to rFIX for prophylaxis and resolution of bleeding events.

Results

The model estimated an overall cumulative expenditure (years 1-3) of €209,453,646 for the Reference and €207,465,568 for Alternative scenarios, with calculated cumulative savings of €1,988,068.

Conclusions

The increasing use of rFIXFc as a substitute for other rFIX concentrates in the treatment of HB can represent a financially viable choice for the Italian National Health Service while ensuring effective control of bleeding.

Hemophilia prophylaxis adherence and bleeding using a tailored, frequency-escalated approach: The Canadian Hemophilia Primary Prophylaxis Study

BACKGROUND

Standard of care for persons with severe hemophilia A includes regular replacement of factor VIII (FVIII). Prophylaxis regimens using standard half-life (SHL) FVIII concentrates, while effective, are costly and require frequent intravenous infusions.

AIM

This study evaluated the adherence of 56 boys with severe hemophilia A to tailored, frequency-escalated prophylaxis with an SHL recombinant FVIII concentrate.

METHODS

We reviewed the factor infusion and bleeding logs of study subjects. Adherence to the prescribed regimen was calculated on a weekly basis, and bleeding rates were determined from self/proxy-reported bleeding logs. The primary outcome was adherence to the prescribed prophylaxis regimen.

RESULTS

The median (range of values [ROV]) weekly adherence to prophylaxis was 85.7% (37.4%-99.8%). The median (ROV) adherent weeks on steps 1 (weekly), 2 (twice weekly), and 3 (alternate-day) were 92.9% (50%-100%), 80.3 (32%-96%), and 72.6% (14%-98%); relative to step 1, subjects were less likely to be adherent on steps 2 and 3 (P < 0.00). On step 1, our cohort had higher adherence than previously reported rates. The median (ROV) adherence to the breakthrough bleeding protocol was 47.1% (0%-100%). At any given time, bleeding risk was reduced by 15% for each 10% increase in adherence during the preceding 12 weeks (hazard ratio, 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.81-0.90).

CONCLUSION

This cohort had high rates of adherence to the prescribed prophylaxis regimen. Initiating prophylaxis with once-weekly infusions facilitated adherence to the prophylaxis regimen in this cohort of boys with severe hemophilia A started on primary prophylaxis at a very young age.

Adherence to prophylactic treatment

: Prophylaxis has helped improve patients' perception of their quality of life, enabling them to lead a more normal life. For these reasons prophylactic treatment is nowadays considered a gold standard in the treatment of severe hemophilia A or B. Despite its benefits in terms of preventing bleeding and preserving patients' health, this intensive treatment is not always adhered to by patients with hemophilia - promotion of adherence should involve a multidisciplinary team which addresses not only the clinical aspects of a condition but also the different psychosocial aspects affecting patients and their (social, family and healthcare) environment.

Physical activity improved by adherence to prophylaxis in an Italian population of children, adolescents and adults with severe haemophilia A: the SHAPE Study

BACKGROUND

Physical activity in people with haemophilia (PWH) reduces the development of severe arthropathy, but it must be performed after regular, proper prophylaxis. Strict adherence to treatment is crucial to achieving effectiveness and established outcomes. The primary aim of this study was to collect prospective data on adherence to prophylaxis for over 36 months. A secondary aim was to verify whether adherence correlates with physical activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Italian patients with severe haemophilia A treated on prophylaxis with octocog alfa were included in the study. Physical findings were assessed by the Haemophilia and Exercise Project (HEP)-Test-Q and the Early Prophylaxis Immunologic Challenge (EPIC)-Norfolk Physical Activity Questionnaire; orthopaedic status was assessed by the Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS). Adherence was measured as percentage of empty vials returned with respect to the prescribed amount.

RESULTS

Forty-two PWH were enrolled: 31% children, 21.4% adolescents, and 47.6% adults. Type, frequency and impact of physical activities differed among the three groups. The HEP-Test-Q showed the highest impairments in the domains "endurance" and "strength/co-ordination". Eight percent of patients were classified as adherent to prophylaxis. Among them, 50% had at least one bleeding episode in the year before enrolment; this percentage dropped during the three years of the study. While remaining stable in the "non-adherent" group, the HJHS score decreased in the "adherent" patients. The mean number of school/work days lost was lower in adherent patients (from 3.4±6.8 to 0.2±0.9) than in non-adherent ones.

DISCUSSION

PWH with better orthopaedic scores reported better physical performance. Adherence to long-term prophylaxis proved to be high and correlated with a reduction in bleeds, target joints, school/work days lost, and with a performance improvement in endurance sports activities over time.

Adherence to prophylactic haemophilic treatment in young patients transitioning to adult care: A qualitative review

Recombinant prophylactic treatment (PTX) has greatly improved morbidity, mortality and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with severe haemophilia. Yet, treatment adherence appears suboptimal in adolescents and young adults with haemophilia (YWH). Young patients experience major biopsychosocial changes challenging their adherence through the transition from parental to self-care, from paediatric to adult care. In clinical practice, a systematic approach to transition is rarely used and there is little evidence on best practices. This qualitative review was based on a systematic literature search including quantitative as well as qualitative research reports to examine all relevant factors influencing adherence to PTX in YWH. We aimed to gain comprehensive insight into main drivers and barriers to adherence by exploring them in the context of YWH's disease perceptions, characteristics, HRQoL and needs. The outcome is an overview of the latest published recommendations to support treatment adherence in YWH during the transition from family-oriented care to self-care and from paediatric to adult care. The literature suggests that adherence to PTX is best supported when individual patient needs and preferences are taken into consideration when planning treatment. Preserving normality is a main priority in young patients making it crucial to support patients from early childhood in considering PTX as enabling rather than hindering a normal social and physically active life. Education in self-management should include psychosocial support of patients as well as caregivers. This requires systematic transition planning including milestone assessments and ongoing multidisciplinary support until full self-management is secured.

Measuring therapeutic relationship in the care of patients with haemophilia: A scoping review

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a scoping review of the tools used to measure therapeutic relationship in patients with haemophilia.

BACKGROUND

Haemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of a clotting factor in the blood. Therapeutic relationship is foundational to the management of patients with chronic diseases like haemophilia. A reliable and valid measurement tool for assessing therapeutic relationship is needed to evaluate the quality of care received by these patients, and to rigorously study the association between therapeutic relationship and the outcomes of treatment.

METHODS

We adopted the Arksey and O'Malley framework for scoping studies. The following electronic databases were searched for studies that measured a construct related to therapeutic relationships in haemophilia care: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Scopus. We inventoried these studies, identified the measurement tools used, and described each tool by purpose, content, measurement properties and target population. We identified gaps in the current evidence and directions for future research.

RESULTS

There were 253 unique records retrieved in the search, and twenty studies were deemed relevant. Ten measurement tools were identified. None of the tools measured therapeutic relationship as a single entity; however, six tools measured constructs considered part of patient-provider relationship (eg trust, communication, working alliance). There has been little validation testing of these tools in haemophilia patient populations.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a need for a validated tool for measuring therapeutic relationship in the care of patients with haemophilia. This review provides a foundation for future research in this area.

Attempting to remedy sub-optimal medication adherence in haemophilia: The rationale for repeated ultrasound visualisations of the patient's joint status

Haemophilia is marked by joint bleeding (haemarthrosis) leading to cartilage damage (arthropathy). Lifelong prophylaxis-initiated after the first bleeding episode-leads to a dramatic decrease in arthropathy in haemophilia patients. However, adherence to continuous intravenous administrations of factor VIII (FVIII) or FIX products is challenging, and patients potentially suffer from breakthrough bleedings while on prophylaxis. Newer FVIII/FIX products with enhanced convenience attributes and/or easier infusion procedures are intended to improve adherence. However, pharmacokinetic data should be harmonised with information from individual attitudes and treatment needs, to tailor intravenous dosing and scheduling in patients who receive extended half-life products. Nor is there sound evidence as to how subcutaneous non-FVIII/FIX replacement approaches (concizumab; emicizumab; fitusiran) or single intravenous injections of adeno-associated viral vectors (when employing gene therapy) will revolutionize adherence in haemophilia. In rheumatoid arthritis, repeated ultrasound examination of a patient's major joints is a valuable tool to educate patients and parents to understand the disease and provide an objective framework for clinicians to acknowledge patient's adherence. Joint ultrasound examination in haemophilia significantly correlates with cartilage damage, effusion, and synovial hypertrophy evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging. Furthermore, in patients with haemophilia undergoing prophylaxis with an extended half-life product for a ≈ 2.8 year period, a significant continued improvement in joint health is detected at the physical examination. This provides the rationale for studies on repeated ultrasound examinations of joint status to attempt to remedy sub-optimal medication adherence and help identify which approach is most suited on which occasion and for which patient.

Predictors of quality of life among adolescents and young adults with a bleeding disorder

BACKGROUND

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adolescents and young adults with bleeding disorders is under-researched. We aimed to describe factors related to HRQoL in adolescents and young adults with hemophilia A or B or von Willebrand disease.

METHODS

A convenience sample of volunteers aged 13 to 25 years with hemophilia or von Willebrand disease completed a cross-sectional survey that assessed Physical (PCS) and Mental (MCS) Component Summary scores on the SF-36 questionnaire. Quantile regression models were used to assess factors associated with HRQoL.

RESULTS

Of 108 respondents, 79, 7, and 14% had hemophilia A, hemophilia B, and von Willebrand disease, respectively. Most had severe disease (71%), had never developed an inhibitor (65%), and were treated prophylactically (68%). Half of patients were aged 13 to 17 years and most were white (80%) and non-Hispanic (89%). Chronic pain was reported as moderate to severe by 31% of respondents. Median PCS and MCS were 81.3 and 75.5, respectively. Quantile regression showed that the median PCS for women (61% with von Willebrand disease) was 13.1 (95% CI: 2.4, 23.8; p = 0.02) points lower than men. Ever developing an inhibitor (vs never) was associated with a 13.1-point (95% CI: 4.7, 21.5; p < 0.01) PCS reduction. MCS was 10.0 points (95% CI: 0.7, 19.3; p = 0.04) higher for prophylactic infusers versus those using on-demand treatment. Compared with patients with no to mild chronic pain, those with moderate to severe chronic pain had 25.5-point (95% CI: 17.2, 33.8; p < 0.001) and 10.0-point (95% CI: 0.8, 19.2; p = 0.03) reductions in median PCS and MCS, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Efforts should be made to prevent and manage chronic pain, which was strongly related to physical and mental HRQoL, in adolescents and young adults with hemophilia and von Willebrand disease. Previous research suggests that better clotting factor adherence may be associated with less chronic pain.

Continuous prophylaxis with recombinant factor IX Fc fusion protein and conventional recombinant factor IX products: comparisons of efficacy and weekly factor consumption

BACKGROUND

Continuous prophylaxis for patients with hemophilia B requires frequent injections that are burdensome and that may lead to suboptimal adherence and outcomes. Hence, therapies requiring less-frequent injections are needed. In the absence of head-to-head comparisons, this study compared the first extended-half-life-recombinant factor IX (rFIX) product-recombinant factor IX Fc fusion protein (rFIXFc)-with conventional rFIX products based on annualized bleed rates (ABRs) and factor consumption reported in studies of continuous prophylaxis.

METHODS

This study compared ABRs and weekly factor consumption rates in clinical studies of continuous prophylaxis treatment with rFIXFc and conventional rFIX products (identified by systematic literature review) in previously-treated adolescents and adults with moderate-to-severe hemophilia B. Meta-analysis was used to pool ABRs reported for conventional rFIX products for comparison. Comparisons of weekly factor consumption were based on the mean, reported or estimated from the mean dose per injection.

RESULTS

Five conventional rFIX studies (injections 1 to >3 times/week) met the criteria for comparison with once-weekly rFIXFc reported by the B-LONG study. The pooled mean ABR for conventional rFIX was slightly higher than but comparable to rFIXFc (difference=0.71; p = 0.210). Weekly factor consumption was significantly lower with rFIXFc than in conventional rFIX studies (difference in means = 42.8-74.5 IU/kg/week [93-161%], p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Comparisons of clinical study results suggest weekly injections with rFIXFc result in similar bleeding rates and significantly lower weekly factor consumption compared with more-frequently-injected conventional rFIX products. The real-world effectiveness of rFIXFc may be higher based on results from a model of the impact of simulated differences in adherence.

Indirect comparisons of efficacy and weekly factor consumption during continuous prophylaxis with recombinant factor VIII Fc fusion protein and conventional recombinant factor VIII products

INTRODUCTION

Recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) products with extended half-lives have the potential to improve adherence and outcomes in haemophilia beyond the results obtained with conventional rFVIII products.

AIM

In the absence of head-to-head comparisons, annualized bleed rates (ABRs) and weekly factor consumption with rFVIII Fc fusion protein (rFVIIIFc) and conventional rFVIII products were indirectly compared using studies of continuous prophylaxis.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted to identify studies of rFVIII products for comparison with rFVIIIFc in the continuous prophylactic treatment of previously treated adolescents and adults with moderate and severe haemophilia A. Mean ABRs were compared between rFVIIIFc and individual rFVIII studies and between rFVIIIFc and a pooled measure for rFVIII estimated by meta-analysis. Comparisons of factor consumption were based on mean or median weekly factor consumption.

RESULTS

Results from seven studies of conventional rFVIII products (injections 2-4 times week^-1 ) were compared with rFVIIIFc (injections 1.4-2.4 times week^-1 ). The pooled mean ABR for rFVIII products was significantly higher compared with rFVIIIFc (difference = 2.0; P = 0.007). Compared with most rFVIII studies, the reported weekly factor consumption was lower with rFVIIIFc [mean differences = 15.5-21.8 IU kg^-1 week^-1 (17-26%); median differences = 12.7-29.8 IU kg^-1 week^-1 (16-37%)]. In one comparison, mean weekly factor consumption with rFVIII was significantly lower but mean ABR was significantly higher than rFVIIIFc.

CONCLUSION

Prophylaxis with rFVIIIFc may be associated with improved bleeding rates and lower weekly factor consumption than more frequently injected rFVIII products. Relative to rFVIII products with similar bleeding rates, results indicate that rFVIIIFc is associated with reduced weekly factor consumption while requiring fewer prescribed injections.

Medical co-morbidities of patients with haemophilia: pain, obesity and hepatitis C

Clinical care of patients with haemophilia (PWH) has progressed rapidly over the past decade. Current therapy has allowed patients with haemophilia to live longer and many patients are now experiencing the co-morbidities of the general population. In this review article, we focus on three common diseases states that affect PWH: chronic pain, obesity and hepatitis C. Pain has been a co-morbidity for many years and PWH often have unusual needs for chronic pain relief compared to the general population. Obesity is not only increasing in the general population but also in patients with hereditary bleeding disorders. The co-morbidity of obesity not only causes increased pain progression and joint damage but also affects the dosing of factor concentrates. Finally, hepatitis C is known to have infected the majority of patients who received non-virally inactivated pooled factor concentrates in the past. New treatment regimens have been developed that allow the nearly uniform cure of chronic hepatitis C with a short course of oral medications.

Choice of factor VIII/IX regimen in adolescents and young adults with severe or moderately severe haemophilia. A French national observational study (ORTHem 15-25)

INTRODUCTION

The value and challenges of long-term prophylaxis (LTP) in adolescents and young adults need further characterisation.

AIM

To determine the proportions of adolescents and young adults with severe or moderately severe haemophilia in France under LTP and treatment on demand (OD).

METHODS

Patients 15 to 25years old with haemophilia A or B, factor VIII/IX ≤2% and no current inhibitor could be included if they had been under factor VIII/IX treatment at least 12months and kept a treatment and bleeding diary.

RESULTS

LTP was administered to 169/212 patients (79.7%) and OD treatment to 40/212 patients (18.9%). The most frequent reasons for initiating LTP were joint bleeding, target joints and frequent bleeds; whereas OD treatment was most often selected on the basis of mild bleeding phenotype or because of constraints on LTP. The mean annual bleed rate (ABR) in the OD group (6.33) was higher than in the LTP group (3.07, p<0.001). Mean ABR did not differ significantly between age strata (15-18, >18-21 and >21-25years), but was significantly higher for patients with severe haemophilia (4.02) as compared to those with moderate haemophilia (1.97, p=0.002). No significant difference was observed in mean ABR for joint bleeds between the LTP and OD groups. Physician reported LTP compliance was good or excellent in 97.0% of patients.

CONCLUSION

LTP is the predominant factor VIII/IX treatment among adolescents and young adults with severe or moderately severe haemophilia in France. LTP was associated with low ABR and high compliance.

Treatment adherence in hemophilia

Prophylactic clotting-factor regimens reduce the occurrence of bleeding episodes and maintain joint health in individuals with moderate and severe hemophilia. However, these outcomes are only achieved with adherence to prescribed prophylaxis regimens. There are several types of barriers to adherence related to key patient, condition, treatment, health-care system, and/or socioeconomic variables. Notably, health-care professionals may not prescribe prophylaxis if they perceive that a patient will be nonadherent. Prophylactic treatment strategies should be developed with the patient and family, focused on individualized treatment goals. Personalized strategies are needed to reinforce the importance of and encourage confidence in administering the regular infusions required for prophylactic therapy. These strategies may include verbal and written information delivered by health-care professionals, peers, and inter-active media. The advent of extended half-life clotting factors requiring less frequent infusion may improve adherence.

Optimization of home treatment in haemophilia: effects of transmural support by a haemophilia nurse on adherence and quality of life

BACKGROUND

Transmural support by a haemophilia nurse may improve treatment and may empower parents and patients.

AIM

To measure the effect of structured home visits by a haemophilia nurse in (parents of) patient on aspects of prophylactic home treatment.

METHODS

A multicentre intervention study in two paediatric haemophilia treatment centres was performed. Primary outcome measures were: adherence to prescribed treatment, health-related quality of life and behavioural scores. Secondary outcome measures were: total clotting factor consumption, self-efficacy and number of joint bleeds.

RESULTS

Over a period of 22 months (median, IQR 21-23), four to seven home visits in 46 patients (mean age 9.4 ± 4.2 years) were made. No difference in adherence to prescribed treatment was seen after the home visits when compared to baseline measurements. Both the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) scales on 'Role functioning - Emotional/Behavioural' (P = 0.02, d = 0.53) and 'Parental Time Impact' (P = 0.04, d = 0.33) were reduced after intervention. The disease-specific Haemo-QoL questionnaire showed improvement in domains: 'Family' (P = 0.04, d = -0.14), 'Friends' (P = 0.03, d = -0.29) and 'Perceived support' (P = 0.03, d = -0.37). Significant improvement was observed with regard to domain 'Communication' of the VERITAS-Pro scale (P = 0.03, d = -0.28).

CONCLUSIONS

After a period of transmural care by a haemophilia nurse, significant but small positive effects were demonstrated with regard to communication and increase of perceived support between parents and haemophilia treatment centre. No improvement was observed in other outcome measures.

Challenges in the management of haemophilia on transition from adolescence to adulthood

Patients with haemophilia undergo many transitions during their lives, but the period between adolescence and adulthood is particularly challenging. During this time, the patient must deal with all of the typical biological, social and emotional changes associated with this phase of life, whilst at the same time, adapting his lifestyle to the needs of his condition, transferring from paediatric to adult services and, most importantly, accepting increasing (and ultimately full) responsibility for managing his condition. Parents may also find their diminishing role equally challenging. Perhaps not surprisingly, given the challenges that adolescents face, treatment adherence during this time is generally low, which can lead to recurrent joint bleeds, chronic pain and reduced quality of life. To address the challenges, it is critical that a transition programme is put in place that meets the needs of not only the patient, but also his parents and healthcare providers. Key elements of the plan are a multidisciplinary approach, early planning, patient education and appropriate follow-up. A successful programme will equip all parties with the skills to deal with the challenges of transition from adolescence to adulthood, ensuring that the benefits of treatment in childhood are maintained, thus optimising health outcomes and quality of life.

Predictors of non-adherence to prescribed prophylactic clotting-factor treatment regimens among adolescent and young adults with a bleeding disorder

INTRODUCTION

Adherence to clotting-factor treatment regimens, especially among adolescents and young adults (AYAs), is under-researched.

AIM

We determined factors associated with better adherence to prophylaxis.

METHODS

From April through December 2012, a convenience sample of AYA (aged 13-25 years) persons with haemophilia or von Willebrand disease (VWD) completed an online survey that assessed adherence to prescribed prophylactic treatment regimens [Validated Haemophilia Regimen Treatment Adherence Scale (VERITAS)-Pro]. Logistic regression analysis assessed demographic and clinical factors related to non-adherence (VERITAS-Pro≥57).

RESULTS

Seventy-three prophylactically treating AYAs participated. Of which, 88%, 8% and 4% had haemophilia A, B and VWD respectively. Almost all (90%) had severe disease and 58% had never developed an inhibitor. Most were aged 13-17 years (56%), white (78%), non-Hispanic (88%), never married (94%) and had some type of health insurance (96%). Median VERITAS-Pro score was 48 (range = 25-78) and 22 (30%) participants were non-adherent to prophylaxis (VERITAS-Pro≥57). Final logistic regression modelling suggested that, compared to those aged 13-17 years, participants aged 18-25 years were 6.2 (95% CI: 1.8-21.0; P < 0.01) times more likely to be non-adherent. Compared to respondents whose mother had at least a Bachelor's degree, respondents whose mother did not were 3.8 (95% CI: 1.0-14.3; P = 0.05) times more likely to be non-adherent.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that adherence efforts should be especially targeted to young adults as they transition from adolescence (i.e. parental supervision) and assume primary responsibility for their bleeding disorder care. Healthcare providers should be mindful of AYAs whose mothers have less formal education and ensure that adequate time and resources are dedicated to family adherence education.

Adherence to prophylaxis and bleeding outcome in haemophilia: a multicentre study

Prevention of bleeding and joint damage in severe haemophilia is dependent on adherence to prophylactic replacement therapy. The aim of this study was to assess adherence to prophylaxis, including associations with age, bleeding and clotting factor consumption (CFC). In three Dutch haemophilia centres, semi-structured interviews about adherence to prophylaxis in the previous 2 weeks were conducted with patients or parents of a child with haemophilia. Patients were classified, according to pre-specified definitions, as adherent, sub-optimally adherent or non-adherent based on missing, timing, and dose of infusions. Association of annual bleeding rates, mean CFC, person performing the infusion (parents verus patients) with adherence categories were analysed. Overall, 241 patients with haemophilia using prophylaxis were studied. Parents were more adherent (66%; n = 48/73) than patients (43%; n = 72/168). Sub-optimal adherence occurred in 29% of parents and 37% of patients and was characterized by changes in timing of infusion (mostly from morning to evening), while missing <6% of infusions. Non-adherence occurred less often: in 5% of parents and 20% of patients. Reduced adherence was associated with lower CFC, but not with joint bleeding. In conclusion, non-adherence in haemophilia was relatively rare, yet 1/3 of patients struggled to administer prophylaxis at the appropriate time of day.

Racial Differences in Chronic Pain and Quality of Life among Adolescents and Young Adults with Moderate or Severe Hemophilia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

We explored racial differences in adherence to recommended clotting factor treatment regimens, chronic pain, and quality of life (QoL) among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with moderate or severe hemophilia.

METHODS

A convenience sample of hemophilia patients aged 13-25 years completed an online cross-sectional survey in 2012. Chronic pain was measured using the revised Faces Pain Scale (FPS-R) and dichotomized as high (FPS-R ≥ 4) or low (FPS-R < 4). QoL was measured with the SF-36.

RESULTS

Of 80 AYA participants (79 male), most had severe disease (91 %) and hemophilia A (91 %). Most were white (76 %) and non-Hispanic (88 %). At the univariate level, compared to whites, non-whites were more likely to have produced an inhibitor against clotting factor treatment (74 vs 38 %, p < .01), less likely to have commercial health insurance (16 vs 63 %, p < .001), more likely to report high levels of chronic pain (FPS-R ≥ 4) (63 vs 26 %, p < .01), and had lower SF-36 physical composite summary (PCS) scores. Adjusted logistic and quantile regression modeling, respectively, revealed that non-whites were 5.31 (95 % CI 1.62, 17.4; p < .01) times more likely to report high chronic pain and had median PCS scores that were 26.0 (95 % CI 11.0, 40.9; p < .01) points lower than whites.

CONCLUSIONS

Targeted efforts to prevent and manage chronic pain among non-white AYAs with moderate or severe hemophilia are necessary. After accounting for demographic and clinical differences, there were no racial differences in adherence to recommended clotting factor treatment regimens; however, non-whites were more than five times more likely to report high levels of chronic pain, which predicted worse overall physical QoL, bodily pain, physical and social functioning, and greater role limitations due to physical health.

Motivational techniques to improve self-care in hemophilia: the need to support autonomy in children

Background

In pediatric hemophilia, caregivers are facing unique challenges to adherence and self-care in children and adolescents with hemophilia. Hemophilia treatment requires adequate prophylaxis and on-demand treatment, as well as a clear behavioral strategy to limit risk-taking in terms of physical exercise and diet. Medication adherence rates of hemophilia patients have been reported to decrease during late childhood and adolescence. In the developing child, moving safely from parent-care to self-care is one of the greatest challenges of integrative care within this domain. There is a clear need for initiatives designed to increase an individual’s motivation for treatment and self-care activities.

Discussion

Among motivational approaches, the self-determination perspective offers a useful framework to explain how the transition to self-care can be facilitated. We discuss how motivation regarding hemophilia treatment may be increased through parental autonomy support and we offer examples of applied communication techniques to facilitate autonomy-supportive caregiving. Although it has not yet been tested in the context of hemophilia, these communication techniques could potentially help caregivers promote adherence and self-care in children.

Summary

Confronted by unique challenges to adherence and self-care, caregivers of children with hemophilia should move from an exclusive focus on illness-management education to an integrative strategy, including motivation-enhancing communication. The self-determination perspective provides important proximal objectives (e.g. autonomy support) to maintain optimal adherence in adolescents as they move from parent-care to self-care. Future research initiatives should address the practice of these communication techniques and evaluate them in the context of hemophilia.

Joining the patient on the path to customized prophylaxis: one hemophilia team explores the tools of engagement

BACKGROUND

The relationship between hemophilia team interventions and achievement of optimal clinical outcomes remains to be elucidated. The British Columbia Hemophilia Adult Team has previously reported results of a comprehensive approach to individualize prophylaxis that has resulted in substantially reduced bleeding rates. In order to facilitate knowledge exchange and potential replication, it was important to gain a thorough understanding of the team's approach.

METHODS

A focus group of the British Columbia Hemophilia Adult Team was conducted to identify specific roles and processes that might be contributing to the prophylaxis regimen outcomes in this clinic. The focus group consisted of two workshops; one to describe the individual and collective roles of the clinic team in providing clinical care and guiding patients toward individualized prophylaxis; and the other to describe the patient journey from initial contact through reaching a successful engagement with the clinic.

RESULTS

Analysis of the results revealed team roles and processes that underpinned a shared decision-making relationship with the patient with a particular focus on supporting the patient's autonomy. Within this relationship, team focus shifts away from "adherence" toward the process whereby patients design and implement prophylaxis regimens resulting in reduction or elimination of bleeding episodes.

LIMITATIONS

Using the current methodology, it is not possible to demonstrate a causal link between specific team processes and improved bleeding rates in patients.

CONCLUSION

Through the active support of patient autonomy in all aspects of decisions related to hemophilia management, the British Columbia Hemophilia Adult Team approach de-emphasizes "adherence" as the primary goal, and focuses on a prophylaxis plan that is customized by the patient and aligned with his priorities. Adoption of this comprehensive team approach facilitates shared goals between the patient and the team that may optimize treatment adherence, but more importantly, reduce bleeding rates.

Knowledge and attitudes survey in bleeding disorders providers regarding pain

INTRODUCTION

The National Pain Study identified respondents (39%) were not satisfied with their pain management yet over 50% seek out their Haemophilia Treatment Centre (HTC) providers for pain management. This study's purpose was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of HTC providers regarding pain assessment and treatment.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty-two HTC providers responded to a Survey Monkey™ Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Knowledge deficits noted in pharmacology included (i) potentiators of opioids, (ii) time to peak effect of oral morphine, (iii) benzodiazepines usage as effective pain relievers and (iv) dose escalation/respiratory depression in an opioid tolerant patient. Areas of deficit in the substance abuse category involved (i) likelihood of a previous alcohol/drug abuse problem and (ii) signs and symptoms of discontinuation syndrome. Despite 100% confirmation from all providers that the patient is the best source of pain reporting, when presented with two identical case scenarios except for the patient's visual pain presentation; pain ratings were reported differently for patients who rated their pain similarly (8/10), yet displayed their pain symptoms differently resulting in different pain medication regimens. Responses were consistent between the provider groups but varied between case studies suggesting disparity between personal attitudes of providers when prescribing pain medication in the haemophilia population.

CONCLUSIONS

Continued research in the area of haemophilia pain as well as treatment is needed. In addition, continuing pain education is recommended for HTC provider's at the local, regional and national levels so providers could remain up to date in the changes and progress of pain management theory.