Quality of life in women with bleeding disorders

Diagnosis and treatment challenges in lower resource countries: State-of-the-art

The 2022 World Federation of Haemophilia Annual Global Survey (AGS) reports that 454,690 patients with inherited bleeding disorders (IBD) have been identified globally. While this represents noteworthy progress, haemophilia epidemiology data indicate that 75% of people with inherited bleeding disorders living in low-income and low-to-middle-income countries have yet to be diagnosed. The AGS also revealed that 11 billion clotting factor units are available to treat haemophilia A and B globally. Due to a lack of finance, these treatments are unavailable to haemophilia in low-income countries with a consequence lack of access equity for haemophilia treatment in these communities. This sobering reality is not limited to haemophilia but applies to von Willebrand Disease (VWD). While VWD is the most prevalent IBD, only 103,844 people living with this condition have been diagnosed globally. Of the diagnosed patients, only a fraction live in low- or middle-income countries. Moreover, the majority of VWD patients are still treated sub-optimally without replacement therapies or prophylaxis, both of which are now accepted as global standards of care. In this state-of-the-art review, the authors reflect on three issues. First, the minimum elements required to diagnose haemophilia in a resource-constrained setting are identified. Second, this review points to the critical stakeholders and outlines their roles in removing access to haemophilia treatment barriers. Finally, the authors examine von Willebrand disease's ongoing diagnostic and treatment challenges and compare these to haemophilia. With the rapidly evolving novel therapies, the therapeutic landscape of all IBD will likely change for the better.

Knowledge gaps in health-related quality of life research performed in children with bleeding disorders - A scoping review

INTRODUCTION

Bleeding disorders (BDs) may influence health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children and caregivers. Measuring HRQoL gives insight into domains requiring support and provides an opportunity to evaluate the effects of novel therapies.

AIM

To gain insight in the current body of literature on HRQoL in children with BDs in order to identify knowledge gaps for research and further development of this field.

METHODS

Scoping review.

RESULTS

We included 53 articles, describing studies mainly performed in Europe and North-America (60.4%) and mostly within the last ten years. Only 32% studies included children <4 years. Almost all studies (47/53, 88.7%) were performed in boys with haemophilia, pooling haemophilia A and B (n = 21) and different disease severities (n = 20). Thirteen different generic and five disease-specific HRQoL-questionnaires were applied; all questionnaires were validated for haemophilia specifically. Six (11,3%) combined generic and disease-specific questionnaires. Self-reports were most frequently applied (40/53, 75.5%), sometimes combined with proxy and/or parent-reports (17/53, 32.1%). Eleven studies used a reference group (20.8%). Statistical analyses mostly consisted of mean and SD (77.4%).

CONCLUSION

HRQoL-research is mainly performed in school-aged boys with haemophilia, treated in developed countries. Pitfalls encountered are the pooling of various BDs, subtypes and severities, as well as the application of multiple generic questionnaires prohibiting comparison of results. More attention is needed for broader study populations including other BDs, young children, feminine bleeding issues and platelet disorders, as well as the use of HRQoL as an effect-measurement tool for medical interventions, and more thorough statistical analysis.

A need to increase von Willebrand disease awareness: vwdtest.com - A global initiative to help address this gap

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by quantitative or qualitative deficiencies in von Willebrand factor (VWF). People with VWD may experience excessive, recurrent or prolonged bleeding, particularly during menstruation, childbirth, surgery or following trauma. However, many VWD patients are undiagnosed, and therefore inadequately treated. Reasons for the underdiagnosis of VWD include its relatively mild symptoms, complex diagnosis, lack of awareness among non-specialist healthcare providers and the general population, and a lack of prioritisation of disorders disproportionately affecting females. The vwdtest.com platform was launched as part of a global initiative to raise awareness and improve diagnosis of VWD. Besides providing VWD-specific educational resources, the website includes an online bleeding self-assessment tool and offers diagnostic support for individuals, and their providers, who have a score suggestive of a bleeding disorder. vwdtest.com helps to address these unmet needs, especially in regions with limited access to educational and diagnostic resources.

Von Willebrand Disease—Specific Aspects in Women

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder, which results from a deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor (VWF). The major symptoms of patients affected by VWD include mucocutaneous and gastrointestinal bleeding, easy bruising, and prolonged provoked bleeding due to injury or surgery. Although women and men are equally likely to be affected by VWD, women continue to be disproportionately affected by the bleeding challenges. Women with VWD suffer from sex-specific symptoms, such as menorrhagia, and are at higher risk of reproductive problems and recurrent miscarriage. Furthermore, pregnant women with VWD are more likely at higher risk of suffering from primary and secondary peripartal hemorrhage and anemia and the need for transfusions. Despite being affected by gynecologic and obstetrical bleeding, women face multiple barriers in obtaining an accurate diagnosis. This constitutes a problem that needs to be addressed, and early appropriate medical care should be ensured. There are several effective treatment options for women with VWD that can significantly improve their quality of life, including desmopressin, VWF concentrates, hormonal therapy, and antifibrinolytic therapy. During pregnancy, the monitoring of VWF activity levels is essential. The peripartal management depends on the type of VWD and on the measured levels of VWF levels and activity prior to delivery.

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Perimenopausal Women: The Role of Hysteroscopy and Its Impact on Quality of Life and Sexuality

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a frequent symptom in perimenopausal women. It is defined as uterine bleeding in which the duration, frequency, or amount of bleeding is considered excessive and negatively affects the woman’s quality of life (QoL) and psychological well-being. In cases of structural uterine pathology, hysterectomy (usually performed via a minimally invasive approach) offers definitive symptom relief and is associated with long-lasting improvement of QoL and sexuality. However, over the past 30 years, uterus-preserving treatments have been introduced as alternatives to hysterectomy. Hysteroscopic polypectomy, myomectomy, or endometrial resection/endometrial ablation are minimally invasive techniques that can be used as an alternative to hysterectomy to treat AUB due to benign conditions. Although associated with high patient satisfaction and short-term improvement in their QoL, hysteroscopic treatments do not eliminate the risk of AUB recurrence or the need for further intervention. Therefore, considering the impact of different treatment options on QoL and sexuality during preoperative shared decision making could help identify the most appropriate and personalized treatment options for perimenopausal women suffering from AUB.

Towards novel treatment options in von Willebrand disease

Deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor (VWF) is associated with a bleeding disorder known as von Willebrand disease (VWD). The clinical manifestations of VWD are heterogeneous, and are in part dictated by the structural or functional defects of VWF. The tools to control bleeding in VWD are dominated by VWF concentrates, desmopressin and antifibrinolytic therapy. In view of these treatments being considered as effective, it is surprising that quality-of-life studies consistently demonstrate a significant mental and physical burden in VWD patients, particularly in women. Apparently, the current weaponry to support the management of VWD is insufficient to fully address the needs of the patients. It is important therefore to continue to search for innovative treatment options which could better serve the VWD patients. In this short review, two of such options are discussed in more detail: emicizumab to correct for the deficiency of factor VIII (FVIII), and the pegylated aptamer BT200 to increase endogenous levels of the VWF/FVIII complex.

The lived experience of women with a bleeding disorder: A systematic review

Background

Research studies have described the morbidity associated with inherited bleeding disorders such as hemophilia and von Willebrand disease in women, but their effect on daily living has long been underrecognized. This systematic review sought to document the lived experience of women with a bleeding disorder by assessing research findings on quality of health care, socioeconomic factors, and mental health.

Methods

A systematic search was carried out in Web of Science, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and PubMed on July 31, 2020. References were hand searched. Abstracts of the 2019 and 2020 congresses on bleeding disorders were hand searched. Key journals were screened for relevant studies published after the search date until the analysis was completed on December 7, 2020.

Results

Of 635 potentially eligible publications, 27 published since 1998 were selected for review. Most studies were of moderate to high quality but meta‐analysis of quantitative studies was not possible due to difference in outcomes and assessment.

Women with a bleeding disorder experience obstacles to accessing care, difficulties living with their disorder, interference with schooling and work, and poor mental health. Diagnostic delay and lack of recognition of symptoms mean treatment and support may not be available. Where comparisons with controls were made, women’s negative experiences were greater than those of men.

Conclusions

Women with bleeding disorders experience major negative impacts of their disorders on daily life and mental well‐being. Many of the challenges identified in earlier research are evident in more recent studies.

"They don't really take my bleeds seriously": Barriers to care for women with inherited bleeding disorders

INTRODUCTION

Women with inherited bleeding disorders experience excessive bleeding that may impair their quality of life, making early diagnosis and treatment critical. However, the experiences of these women regarding access to care has been minimally described. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate and describe barriers to care for women with bleeding disorders. This study was a continuation of our previous work describing the lived experiences of these women.

METHODS

We undertook a qualitative descriptive study. Inclusion criteria for study enrollment were the following: age ≥18 years, English-speaking, and confirmed diagnosis of an inherited bleeding disorder. Women were recruited across Canada by treating health-care providers and members of the Canadian Hemophilia Society. Telephone interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview style, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using descriptive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 15 participants were interviewed. Median age was 31 years (range 24-70 years). Four primary themes surrounding barriers to care emerged: (1) lack of health-care provider awareness of bleeding disorders, (2) health-care provider dismissal of symptoms, (3) limited access to specialized care and treatment plans, and (4) need for self-education and advocacy.

DISCUSSION

We found that women with inherited bleeding disorders experience tension with the health-care system, feeling unheard and poorly understood. Based on our findings, we identified key knowledge and care gaps that could be addressed with awareness and educational initiatives: patient education on vaginal blood loss, updated medical curricula, clear referral guidelines, and telehealth initiatives for patients residing far from hemophilia treatment centers.

Hemophilia carriers: quality of life and management at different life stages

The carrier testing, genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis have become an integrated part of the comprehensive care for hemophilia, but quality of life and management of carriers frequently remain suboptimal. It is paramount to evaluate the physical and psycho-social impact of them as problematic physical, psychological and social situations are not uncommon. There are to instruct them about their hemorrhagic possible symptoms and condition for offering solutions that meet their needs and help them enjoy a satisfactory quality of life in all life stages.

Elevated von Willebrand factor levels during heavy menstrual bleeding episodes limit the diagnostic utility for von Willebrand disease

BACKGROUND

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is often the first bleeding symptom for female individuals with inherited bleeding disorders. Guidelines recommend performing the hemostatic evaluation at HMB presentation. Von Willebrand factor (VWF) levels increase with stress, making it unclear if VWF studies during acute bleeding are beneficial in diagnosing von Willebrand disease (VWD).

OBJECTIVES

To determine the utility of testing for VWD during acute HMB.

PATIENTS/METHODS

This retrospective cohort study evaluated VWF levels of individuals presenting to the emergency department (ED) with HMB from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2018, after prospective implementation of a clinical practice guideline recommending hemostatic evaluation in the ED. We compared VWF and factor VIII (FVIII) levels between acute presentation and follow-up visit after bleeding resolution. We compared the diagnostic accuracy of initial and follow-up labs.

RESULTS

During the study period, 221 individuals were seen in the ED for acute HMB, and 39 had VWD testing at both time points. Median FVIII and VWF levels were higher during acute bleeding than at follow-up. The difference in VWF levels between visits was negligible when initial FVIII value was normal. Overall incidence of VWD was 7.5%; 69% of those with VWD had low VWF levels during acute HMB.

CONCLUSION

VWD testing during acute HMB detects the majority of individuals with VWD but also leads to elevated levels of VWF, potentially limiting at the accuracy of diagnostic labs during acute bleeding episodes. Delayed testing until resolution of anemia and active bleeding may provide more accurate diagnostic evaluation for VWD.

von Willebrand disease: what does the future hold?

von Willebrand disease (VWD) is characterized by its heterogeneous clinical manifestation, which complicates its diagnosis and management. The clinical management of VWD has remained essentially unchanged over the last 30 years or so, using von Willebrand factor (VWF) concentrates, desmopressin, and anti-fibrinolytic agents as main tools to control bleeding. This is in contrast to hemophilia A, for which a continuous innovative path has led to novel treatment modalities. Despite current VWD management being considered effective, quality-of-life studies consistently reveal a higher than anticipated burden of VWD on patients, which is particularly true for women. Apparently, despite our perceived notion of current therapeutic efficiency, there is space for innovation with the goal of reaching superior efficacy. Developing innovative treatments for VWD is complex, especially given the heterogeneity of the disease and the multifunctional nature of VWF. In this perspective article, we describe several potential strategies that could provide the basis for future VWD treatments. These include genetic approaches, such as gene therapy using dual-vector adenoassociated virus and transcriptional silencing of mutant alleles. Furthermore, protein-based approaches to increase factor FVIII levels in VWD-type 3 or 2N patients are discussed. Finally, antibody-based options to interfere with VWF degradation (for congenital VWD-type 2A or acquired von Willebrand syndrome-type 2A) or increase endogenous VWF levels (for VWD-type 1) are presented. By highlighting these potential strategies, we hope to initiate an innovative path, which ultimately would allow us to better serve VWD patients and their specific needs.

Heavy menstrual bleeding in women with inherited bleeding disorders

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is the commonest bleeding symptom among women with inherited bleeding disorders (IBD). Since HMB starts at the very onset of menarche and continues throughout the reproductive life, the health related quality of life of these women is affected and they are at an increased risk of developing iron-deficiency anemia. Because of the entrenched stigma and taboos, women and girls are often reluctant to discuss the problem of HMB within their families and do not seek medical advice. Increased awareness and multidisciplinary management approach for the management of these women are essential in ensuring an optimal outcome. It is important to take a careful history and undertake a thorough gynecological assessment to exclude other underlying/concomitant causes of HMB. Iron supplementation is essential. Strategies for decreasing menstrual blood flow are similar to those used for HMB in general with the addition of desmopressin and replacement therapy and the exclusion of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Tranexamic acid and/or hormonal intervention are usually recommended as first-line therapy. Treatment choice should be individualized taking into account whether the woman wishes to preserve her fertility, if she requires contraception, the type of IBD, the severity of bleeding, and her social and religious background as well as acceptability and availability of the treatment options.

"Everything was blood when it comes to me": Understanding the lived experiences of women with inherited bleeding disorders

INTRODUCTION

Despite the many symptoms that women with inherited bleeding disorders experience, no study has specifically sought to explore and understand the lived experiences of these women, nor the barriers to care that they may encounter. The primary objective of this study was to describe the lived experiences of women with inherited bleeding disorders.

METHODS

Inclusion criteria for study enrollment were the following: age ≥18 years, English speaking, and confirmed diagnosis of an inherited bleeding disorder. Women were recruited across Canada through identification by treating health-care providers and study members of the Canadian Hemophilia Society. Telephone interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview style, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using descriptive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 15 participants were interviewed. Median age was 31 years (24-70 years old). Four primary themes emerged: uncertainties surrounding diagnosis, conceptualization of experience through family bleeding, intensity of bleeding symptoms, and impact of bleeding on identity and daily life.

DISCUSSION

To our knowledge, this is the first study to thoroughly describe the experiences of adult women living with inherited bleeding disorders. We found that these women experience multiple uncertainties around their diagnosis. They conceptualize their bleeding by examining family histories; experience severe symptoms irrespective of their underlying diagnosis; and create identities around their bleeding symptoms, which influence multiple aspects of their life. Next study steps will involve sharing work specifically focused on treatment plans, barriers to care, and factors affecting care access.

Diagnostic value of saline infusion sonohysterography for detecting endometrial focal lesion

Introduction

Different diagnostic tools are available to evaluate endometrial focal lesion such as hysteroscopy, sonohystrography and transvaginal ultrasound. The present study aimed to determine the diagnostic value of saline infusion sonohystrography (SIS) in diagnosis of intrauterine lesions in women with Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB).

Methods

This cross-sectional study recruited 100 married women with chief complain of AUB referred to gynecologic clinics at the Amir Al-Momenin hospital, Semnan, Iran from March 2014 to February 2016. All participants were in the reproductive age and post-menopausal period that showed abnormal endometrial thickness or endometrial focal lesions through transvaginal ultrasound. Participants underwent SIS, hysteroscopy plus focal lesion resection and endometrial biopsy in order. The gold standard was the histopathology of endometrial specimen reported by pathologist.

Results

Mean±SD age of women was 41.2±11.3 years. To diagnose the overall focal lesions, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of the SIS were 79.6, 89.1, 89.6, and 78.8% respectively. These figures were 75.0, 87.5, 82.5 and 81.7%, respectively to diagnose polyps. The SIS sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV values to diagnose the myomas were 60.0, 97.8, 75.0, and 95.7% respectively.

Conclusion

Findings show that, SIS probably is a proper method for detecting endometrial focal lesion including polyps and myomas. Future studies may help to define further advantages of this procedure.

Barriers and challenges faced by women with congenital bleeding disorders in Europe: Results of a patient survey conducted by the European Haemophilia Consortium

INTRODUCTION

Historically, issues faced by women with bleeding disorders (WBD) have been underestimated. While advances in genetic testing have resulted in improvements, significant challenges remain in the initial recognition of abnormal bleeding and referral of WBD.

METHODS

The European Haemophilia Consortium (EHC) developed a questionnaire for WBD to provide insights into the barriers and challenges faced by WBD in Europe.

RESULTS

In total, 709 WBD responded to the survey from 32 countries, predominantly from western European countries (94%). A delay in ascertaining the diagnosis of a congenital bleeding disorders (CBD) remains, with a median age at diagnosis of 16 years. The presence of family history is strongly associated with a lower median age at diagnosis of 6 years. WBD reported significant disease impact on their day-to-day life, most evident for the rarer CBD. The bleeding symptom of biggest impact on daily life is heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), reported by 55% of women. Importantly, 25% of WBD reports that their condition severely impacted their decision to have or has prevented them from having children. Respondents registered with Haemophilia Treatment Centres (HTC) are 2.2 times more likely to receive treatment compared to WBD in other hospital services.

CONCLUSION

Improved education for both patients and healthcare providers is essential to improve time to diagnosis, access to treatment and psychosocial supports for WBD in Europe.

Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Capsella Bursa-Pastoris on Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: A Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVES

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is one of the leading causes of low quality of life and iron deficiency anemia in women. This study aimed to determine the effect of hydroalcoholic extracts of Capsella bursa-pastoris on HMB.

DESIGN

This study is a triple-blinded, randomized clinical trial.

SETTING

The study was conducted in gynecology clinics affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

SUBJECTS

Our patients affected to a complaint of HMB. After obtaining a complete medical history of the women and filling out the demographic forms, the participants were assigned randomly into the experimental (n = 42) and control groups (n = 42).

INTERVENTION

The eligible participants were given a pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBLAC) to confirm HMB during the menstrual cycle. The experimental group received two capsules of mefenamic acid (500 mg) every 8 h and two Capsella bursa-pastoris capsules every 12 h. The intervention started from the first day of menstruation to the end of this period up to 7 days for two consecutive cycles. In the control group, the patients received mefenamic acid and placebo instead of Capsella bursa-pastoris capsules.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

The PBLAC score and number of bleeding days, incidence of any possible problems, as well as participant satisfaction were measured. The data were analyzed using t-test, Chi-square, repeated-measures ANOVA, and ANCOVA tests in PASW Statistics ver. 18.

RESULTS

After the intervention, there was observed significant decrease in the amount of menstrual bleeding in both groups. However, the mean decrease in the amount of bleeding was significantly more in the Capsella bursa-pastoris group (p < 0/001).

CONCLUSION

Compared with control group, hydroalcoholic extracts of Capsella bursa-pastoris capsule appeared to be effective in reducing menstrual bleeding in this study. Further research regarding the efficacy and safety of Capsella bursa-pastoris is required.

High and long-term von Willebrand factor expression after Sleeping Beauty transposon-mediated gene therapy in a mouse model of severe von Willebrand disease

Essentials von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder. Gene therapy for VWD offers long-term therapy for VWD patients. Transposons efficiently integrate the large von Willebrand factor (VWF) cDNA in mice. Liver-directed transposons support sustained VWF expression with suboptimal multimerization.

SUMMARY

Background Type 3 von Willebrand disease (VWD) is characterized by complete absence of von Willebrand factor (VWF). Current therapy is limited to treatment with exogenous VWF/FVIII products, which only provide a short-term solution. Gene therapy offers the potential for a long-term treatment for VWD. Objectives To develop an integrative Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon-mediated VWF gene transfer approach in a preclinical mouse model of severe VWD. Methods We established a robust platform for sustained transgene murine VWF (mVWF) expression in the liver of Vwf-/- mice by combining a liver-specific promoter with a sandwich transposon design and the SB100X transposase via hydrodynamic gene delivery. Results The sandwich SB transposon was suitable to deliver the full-length mVWF cDNA (8.4 kb) and supported supra-physiological expression that remained stable for up to 1.5 years after gene transfer. The sandwich vector stayed episomal (~60 weeks) or integrated in the host genome, respectively, in the absence or presence of the transposase. Transgene integration was confirmed using carbon tetrachloride-induced liver regeneration. Analysis of integration sites by high-throughput analysis revealed random integration of the sandwich vector. Although the SB vector supported long-term expression of supra-physiological VWF levels, the bleeding phenotype was not corrected in all mice. Long-term expression of VWF by hepatocytes resulted in relatively reduced amounts of high-molecular-weight multimers, potentially limiting its hemostatic efficacy. Conclusions Although this integrative platform for VWF gene transfer is an important milestone of VWD gene therapy, cell type-specific targeting is yet to be achieved.

Health-related quality of life, developmental milestones, and self-esteem in young adults with bleeding disorders

Background

The treatment of bleeding disorders improved in the last decades. However, the effect of growing up with bleeding disorders on developmental, emotional, and social aspects is understudied. Therefore, this study assesses HRQOL, developmental milestones, and self-esteem in Dutch young adults (YA) with bleeding disorders compared to peers.

Methods

Ninety-five YA (18–30 years) with bleeding disorders (78 men; mean 24.7 years, SD 3.5) and 17 women (mean 25.1 years, SD 3.8) participated and completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Young Adult version, the Course of Life Questionnaire, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Differences between patients with bleeding disorders and their peers, and between hemophilia severity groups, were tested using Mann–Whitney U tests.

Results

YA men with bleeding disorders report a slightly lower HRQOL on the total scale, physical functioning, and school/work functioning in comparison to healthy peers (small effect sizes). YA men with severe hemophilia report more problems on the physical functioning scale than non-severe hemophilia. YA men with bleeding disorders achieved more psychosexual developmental milestones than peers, but show a delay in ‘paid jobs, during middle and/or high school.’ A somewhat lower self-esteem was found in YA men with bleeding disorders in comparison to peers (small effect size). For YA women with bleeding disorders, no differences were found on any of the outcomes in comparison to peers.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates some impairments in HRQOL and self-esteem in YA men with bleeding disorders. By monitoring HRQOL, problems can be identified early, especially with regard to their physical and professional/school functioning.

Depression and post-traumatic stress disorder in individuals with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: A cross-sectional survey

INTRODUCTION

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is characterized by frequent severe bleeding, particularly epistaxis, and life-threatening complications including stroke, brain abscess and heart failure. The psychological impact of HHT is not known. We conducted this cross sectional study to determine the prevalence of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to HHT.

METHODS

A survey tool comprising demographic and clinical information and two validated self-administered questionnaires, the PTSD checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), was distributed to individuals with HHT. Associations with clinical and demographic variables with depression and PTSD were evaluated in a logistic regression model.

RESULTS

A total of 222 individuals responded to the survey. Of these, 185 completed either the BDI II or PCL-5 and were included in the analysis. Median age was 54years and 142 (76.8%) were female. An existing diagnosis of depression, anxiety disorder and PTSD was present in 81 (43.8%), 59 (31.9%) and 16(8.6%) respondents, respectively. BDI-II scores>13 indicating at least mild depressive symptoms were present in 142 (88.7%) patients and 52 (28.1%) patients had a positive screen for PTSD (PCL-5 score≥38). On multivariable analysis, depression [OR 2.17 (95% CI 1.045-4.489), p=0.038], anxiety disorder [OR 2.232 (95% CI 1.066-4.676), p=0.033], and being unemployed [OR 2.234 (95% CI 1.46-4.714), p=0.019) were associated with PTSD.

CONCLUSION

We report a high prevalence of depressive and PTSD symptoms in individuals with HHT. While selection bias may lead to overestimation of prevalence in this study, our results are concerning and clinicians should remain vigilant for signs of psychological distress and consider screening for these disorders.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding as a Common Presenting Symptom of Rare Platelet Disorders: Illustrative Case Examples

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a common symptom in patients who present to the obstetrician-gynecologist or adolescent medicine specialist and might result from an underlying inherited bleeding disorder. Whereas relatively common bleeding disorders such as von Willebrand disease are often included in standard laboratory assessments, rarer platelet function disorders can be challenging to diagnose. Additionally, HMB can be a particularly difficult symptom to manage in adolescents with platelet function disorders, and it is associated with decreased quality of life. We review the diagnostic and management issues of patients with platelet function disorders through the presentation of 2 patient case reports, with a focus on a diagnosis of Glanzmann thrombasthenia, an inherited qualitative disorder that affects platelet function. Whereas the first patient presented to the emergency department before the diagnosis of a bleeding disorder and required a hematologic referral and extensive laboratory assessments, the second patient had been diagnosed with Glanzmann thrombasthenia as a child but experienced severe management challenges at the onset of menarche. In both patients, collaboration between the obstetrician-gynecologist or adolescent medicine specialist and the hematologist was critical for achieving acute management of the bleeding symptoms and for ensuring optimal long-term disease management. Together, these cases highlight the importance of properly identifying females with HMB who might have an undiagnosed bleeding disorder and of consulting with a hematologist to determine an appropriate management plan throughout all life stages.

Third Åland islands conference on von Willebrand disease, 26-28 September 2012: meeting report

The first meeting of international specialists in the field of von Willebrand disease (VWD) was held in the Åland islands in 1998 where Erik von Willebrand had first observed a bleeding disorder in some members of a family from Föglö and a summary of the meeting was published in 1999. The second meeting was held in 2010 and a report of the meeting was published in 2012. Topics covered included progress in understanding of VWD over the last 50 years; multimers; classification of VWD; pharmacokinetics and laboratory assays; genetics; treating the paediatric patient; prophylaxis; geriatrics; gene therapy and treatment guidelines. This third meeting held over 3 days covered the structure and function of von Willebrand factor (VWF); type 1 VWD, the most common form of the disease; a lifespan of pharmacokinetics in VWD; detecting inhibitors in VWD patients; and special challenges in understanding and treating the female VWD patient.

Malposition and expulsion of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system among women with inherited bleeding disorders

The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) is indicated for the management of menorrhagia and for contraception. The LNG-IUS is effective at reducing menstrual bleeding and improving haemoglobin among women with bleeding disorders. Expulsion rates for the LNG-IUS among normal women are reported to be approximately 5-10%. The aim of this study was to examine the malposition and expulsion rates of the LNG-IUS among women with inherited bleeding disorders. We conducted a retrospective study of women with an inherited bleeding disorder in Kingston, Canada treated with an LNG-IUS between May 2005 and June 2012. The primary outcome was a combined endpoint of expulsion and/or malposition. Predetermined secondary outcomes were patient satisfaction and changes in haemoglobin and ferritin levels. The median age of the women at the time of LNG-IUS insertion was 31 years (range 18-43, mean 32.1 years). The most common diagnosis was type 1 VWD (12/20, 60%). There were three LNG-IUS expulsions and two episodes of device malposition resulting in removal [5/20 (25.0%), 95% CI 11.2-46.9%]. An additional five women had their device removed prematurely. The overall proportion of devices resulting in discontinuation in this population was 10/20 (50.0%, 95% CI 29.9-70.1%). In this retrospective study, a significant proportion of women with an inherited bleeding disorder had an LGN-IUS removed due to poor patient satisfaction, malposition, or expulsion. Further studies into the causes of higher complication rates and interventions such as premedication or prolonged treatment with antifibrinolytic agents targeted at improving outcomes in this population are required.

Bleeding disorders, menorrhagia and iron deficiency: impacts on health-related quality of life

von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a bleeding disorder that occurs in up to 1% of the general population. The great majority of females with VWD experience menorrhagia. The morbidity burden in females with VWD may relate to iron deficiency resulting from menorrhagia. To explore relationships between bleeding disorders, menorrhagia, iron deficiency and the outcomes of health-related quality of life (HRQL) and educational attainment. All subjects with VWD, and females with other bleeding disorders, in the Canadian national registry who were more than 12 years of age were eligible for survey. Survey measures included the HEALTH UTILITIES INDEX(®); abridged Clinical History Assessment Tool; socio-demographic questions and serum ferritin. Statistical analyses included testing differences among groups of means using analysis of variance and of proportions using chi-squared test. Significant size differences in mean HRQL scores were detected between VWD females and both females with other bleeding disorders [diff = (-0.08); P = 0.017] and VWD males [diff = (-0.07); P = 0.039]. Mean HRQL scores differed between females with and without menorrhagia (P < 0.001). Mean HRQL scores were not significantly different between females with and without iron deficiency. Educational attainment was not associated with disease group, menorrhagia status or iron status. Females with VWD have a greater morbidity burden than females in the general population, females with other bleeding disorders and males with VWD. Menorrhagia is associated with low HRQL scores in females with bleeding disorders, including VWD. Further investigation should assess how menorrhagia impacts HRQL in females with bleeding disorders.