Radiosynovectomy in hemophilia: quantification of its effectiveness through the assessment of 10 articular parameters

Ultrasound-guided joint procedures in hemophilia: technique, indications and tips

INTRODUCTION

The therapeutic approach to pain in hemophilia should be multimodal. Intra-articular injections are a good option when joint lesions do not respond to hematological treatment or rehabilitation and orthopedic surgery is not yet indicated. Performing these procedures under ultrasound guidance has been shown to improve their accuracy and efficacy.

AREAS COVERED

This article provides a practical overview of the most frequently employed ultrasound-guided intra-articular procedures on the joints of people with hemophilia. The article describes the key elements for performing the technique on the elbow, knee and ankle as the most affected joints. The particularities of the most frequent indications, arthrocentesis, synoviorthesis and analgesic injections with various products are detailed.

EXPERT OPINION

Current hematological treatments have made it possible to incorporate new therapeutic tools for pain relief for people with hemophilia, including ultrasound-guided joint procedures, which offer excellent results.

Radiosynovectomy in haemophilic synovitis and arthropathy of the knee: A scoping review

INTRODUCTION

Radiosynovectomy is an established treatment for chronic synovitis in patients with haemophilia. Although its role in rheumatological diseases has diminished, it remains an accepted therapy for haemophilic synovitis.

AIM

The aim of this scoping review was to map and summarise the evidence surrounding radiosynovectomy in haemophilic knees, identify gaps in the literature and inform future research.

RESULTS

Forty-three manuscripts and abstracts were identified for this review. Evidence was limited to observational studies and Yttrium-90 was the most studied licensed radioisotope. Radiosynovectomy was associated with a reduction in bleeding frequency and pain, improvements in range of motion and a reduction in the use of factor replacement.

CONCLUSION

The literature reviewed lacks studies of sufficient methodological quality to permit systematic review and meta-analysis. Systematic review using risk of bias assessment for observational studies should be undertaken to better evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiosynovectomy. A causal relationship between RSV and key clinical outcomes remains undetermined.

Synovitis in hemophilia: preventing, detecting, and treating joint bleeds

INTRODUCTION

Most bleeding events in individuals with hemophilia occur within the ankle, knee, and elbow joints. Should the bleeding persist, the synovial membrane starts to hypertrophy and a vicious cycle of chronic hemophilic synovitis (CHS) occurs, leading to joint destruction.

AREAS COVERED

This article covers the prompt diagnosis of CHS by point-of-care ultrasonography (POC-US) and its treatment by means of several types of synovectomy.

EXPERT OPINION

It is essential to prevent, detect and treat hemophilic synovitis, because it indicates that the joint has bled and is at risk of bleeding further. Prophylaxis with standard half life (SHL) factor VIII (FVIII) concentrate is the standard of care for individuals with severe hemophilia A and can also be considered for selected patients with moderate disease. Several years of real-world experience with extended half life (EHL) FVIII, emicizumab, and other drugs in development will be needed to ascertain their final effect on bleeding and its complications. We must look for synovitis in individuals declaring joint pain and in asymptomatic patients, and POC-US is the most reasonable imaging instrument with which to carry out periodic joint screening. Radiosynovectomy, chemical synovectomy, and arthroscopic synovectomy markedly reduce bleeding events.

Radiosynovectomy for the Treatment of Chronic Hemophilic Synovitis: An Old Technique, but Still Very Effective

A radiosynovectomy (RS) should be indicated when recurrent articular bleeds related to chronic hemophilia synovitis (CHS) exist, established by clinical examination, and confirmed by imaging techniques that cannot be constrained with hematological prophylaxis. RS can be performed at any point in life, mainly in adolescents (>13−14 years) and adults. Intraarticular injection (IAI) of a radioactive material in children might be arduous since we need child collaboration which might include general anesthesia. RS is our initial option for management of CHS. For the knee joint we prescribe Yttrium-90, while for the elbow and ankle we prescribe Rhenium-186 (1 to 3 IAIs every 6 months). The procedure is greatly cost efficient when compared to surgical synovectomy. Chemical synovectomy with rifampicin has been reported to be efficacious, inexpensive, simple, and especially practical in developing countries where radioactive materials are not easily available. Rifampicin seems to be more efficacious when it is utilized in small joints (elbows and ankles), than when utilized in bigger ones (knees). When RS and/or chemical synovectomy fail, arthroscopic synovectomy (or open synovectomy in some cases) should be indicated. For us, surgery must be performed after the failure of 3 RSs with 6-month interims. RS is an effective and minimally invasive intervention for treatment of repeated articular bleeds due to CHS. Although it has been published that the risk of cancer does not increase, and that the amount of radioactive material used in RS is insignificant, the issue of chromosomal and/or deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) changes remains a concern and continued surveillance is critical. As child and adulthood prophylaxis becomes more global, RS might become obsolete in the long-term.

The value of radiosynoviorthesis for treatment of chronic synovitis in hemophilic joint disease

Chronic synovitis is contributing to the development of arthropathy in hemophilia A and B. In most patients with severe and moderate hemophilia, during lifetime, joint damage progresses despite early prophylaxis and intense treatment with coagulation factor concentrates. Recurrent hemorrhages into the joints and subclinical bleeding lead to chronic inflammation of the synovium, neoangiogenesis and remodeling, sustaining a vicious circle of bleeding-remodeling-bleeding and progression of osteochondral damage. Imaging techniques including ultrasound and MRI are able to early visualize synovitis and osteochondral changes. Early detection and sustained therapy of synovitis are important preconditions to prevent further deterioration of joint status. Chronic synovitis requires intensified substitution of coagulation factors and concomitant analgetic, antiphlogistic and physical therapy. The value of early radiosynoviorthesis (RSO) as effective method to control ongoing synovitis is discussed here. RSO is recommended as first choice therapy in case of persistant chronic synovitis, recorded in both national and international guidelines.

Therapy Response of the Yttrium-90 (Y-90) Colloid and Rhenium-186 (Re-186) Sulphur Colloid Radiosynovectomy in Hemophilic Arthropathy

Introduction

Radiosynovectomy (also known as radiosynoviorthesis) is a local form of radiotherapy that is used in chronic hemophilic synovitis in the absence of radiological evidence of extensive joint damage and in patients that have failed conservative therapy with clotting factor replacement and physiotherapy.

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of the Yttrium-90 (Y-90) colloid and Rhenium-186 (Re-186) sulphur colloid radiosynovectomy in hemophilic arthropathy in terms of bleeding frequency, pain score, range of motion and performance score.

Methodology

This was a prospective cohort trial. A total of 68 hemophilic arthropathy patients who had been treated with radiosynovectomy for knee, ankle, elbow and hip joint were included in this study. Patients were followed up to assess their bleeding frequency, pain score, range of motion of the affected joint and Karnofsky or Lansky performance scale at pre and 6 months post therapy.

Result

A marked decrease (80–100%) in bleeding frequency was seen in 66.2% of patients, 14.7% of patients had moderate decrease (51–79%) and mild decrease (30–50%) was seen in 14.7% of patients. The frequency of intraarticular bleeding and pain score were significantly reduced at 6 months follow up ( p<0.005). The Karnofsky and Lansky performance scales were also improved at 6 months follow up ( p<0.005). There was no significant difference between percentage of range of motion measured before and after the therapy ( p>0.005).

Conclusion

Radiosynovectomy is a safe and effective procedure in limiting bleeding frequency, reducing pain and increasing performance scale.

The EANM guideline for radiosynoviorthesis

PURPOSE

Radiosynoviorthesis (RSO) using the intraarticular application of beta-particle emitting radiocolloids has for decades been used for the local treatment of inflammatory joint diseases. The injected radiopharmaceuticals are phagocytized by the superficial macrophages of the synovial membrane, resulting in sclerosis and fibrosis of the formerly inflamed tissue, finally leading to reduced joint effusion and alleviation of joint pain.

METHODS

The European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM) has written and approved these guidelines in tight collaboration with an international team of clinical experts, including rheumatologists. Besides clinical and procedural aspects, different national legislative issues, dosimetric considerations, possible complications, and side effects are addressed.

CONCLUSION

These guidelines will assist nuclear medicine physicians in performing radiosynoviorthesis. Since there are differences regarding the radiopharmaceuticals approved for RSO and the official indications between several European countries, this guideline can only give a framework that must be adopted individually.

The use of radiosynovectomy in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Assessment of treatment efficacy and safety

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of knee joint radiosynovectomy (RS) in patients suffering from juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Material and methods

One hundred RS procedures performed in 58 patients with JIA in average age 10.4 years were evaluated.

Results

After 6 weeks, a decrease in the number of cases with joint pain from 90.3% to 29%, with joint oedema from 100% to 74.5%, with joint exudate from 100% to 60.6%, with gait disorders from 19.4% to 3.2%, with joint mobility disorders from 51.1% to 26.6% in the RS cases was observed. A reduction of the score in the Colorado scale from 10.9 to 4.66, in the pain visual analogue scale (VAS) from 50 to 10, in the illness VAS assessed by the patient/parent from 69.9 to 32.4, in the illness VAS assessed by the physician from 68.8 to 36.9 was observed. Six months after the RS procedure, a reduction in the number of cases with joint pain from 89.5% prior to the procedure to 29.5%, with oedema from 100% to 58.3%, with exudate from 100% to 46.9%, with gait disorders from 20% to 2.1%, with joint motility disorders from 51.1% to 26.1% was achieved. The score in the Colorado scale was reduced from 10.9 to 4.04, in the pain VAS from 40 to 0, in the illness VAS assessed by the patient/parent from 69.7 to 27.9, in the illness VAS assessed by the physician from 68.8 to 32.4. In ultrasound examinations, the greatest improvement compared to the initial condition was recorded in the 6^th month after the RS. Radiosynovectomy was positively evaluated by parents and patients in 34 anonymous surveys. Early and late observations (average 1473 days) did not show lesions at the isotope injection site, and no neoplastic lesions were observed.

Conclusions

Radiosynovectomy is a valuable therapeutic option for local treatment in patients with JIA.

Current therapeutic approaches in the management of hemophilia-a consensus view by the Romanian Society of Hematology

Hemophilia A (HA) and hemophilia B (HB) are rare disorders, being caused by the total lack or under-expression of two factors from the coagulation cascade coded by genes of the X chromosome. Thus, in hemophilic patients, the blood does not clot properly. This results in spontaneous bleeding episodes after an injury or surgical intervention. A patient-centered regimen is considered optimal. Age, pharmacokinetics, bleeding phenotype, joint status, adherence, physical activity, personal goals are all factors that should be considered when individualizing therapy. In the past 10 years, many innovations in the diagnostic and treatment options were presented as being either approved or in development, thus helping clinicians to improve the standard-of-care for patients with hemophilia. Recombinant factors still remain the standard of care in hemophilia, however they pose a challenge to treatment adherence because they have short half-life, which where the extended half-life (EHL) factors come with the solution, increasing the half-life to 96 hours. Gene therapies have a promising future with proven beneficial effects in clinical trials. We present and critically analyze in the current manuscript the pros and cons of all the major discoveries in the diagnosis and treatment of HA and HB, as well as identify key areas of hemophilia research where improvements are needed.

Yttrium-90 radiosynovectomy in knees and ankles (25 joints in 22 hemophilic patients). Short-term results

Introduction

The radiosynovectomy (RS) is one treatment option for recurrent hemarthrosis in patients with hemophilia (PWH). A prospective cohort study was designed to evaluate the effects of the RS on the synovial membrane volume in the ankles and knees of PWH and patient characteristics related to the RS outcome.

Methods

In a one-year follow-up, 25 joints of 22 PWH who presented 3 bleeds or more in the same joint over the last 6 months (target joints) were subjected to the RS. Two groups were compared: those who retained target joints following the RS and those who did not (less than 3 bleeds/6 months after the RS). The groups were analyzed according to age, hemophilia type/severity, joint, body mass index (BMI), inhibitor and Hemophilia Joint Health Score 2.1 (HJHS). The magnetic resonance images (MRI) of six ankles and six knees were acquired prior to, and 6 months after, the RS. The synovial membrane volume and arthropathy MRI scale were accessed and volumes were compared and correlated with the Yttrium-90 dose injected.

Results

Patients with a mean age of 12 years and a mean HJHS of 6.7 (p < 0.05) retained target joints after the RS. The inhibitor, joint, type/severity of disease and BMI showed no significant differences between groups. The synovial membrane volume had a significant reduction after the RS (p = 0.03), but no correlation with the Yttrium-90 dose. In proportion to the synovial membrane volume, doses injected to the ankles were larger than those injected to the knees.

Conclusion

The synovial membrane volume is reduced after the RS, regardless of the effective 90Y dose.

Surgical approaches to hemophilic arthropathy

: The role of the orthopedic surgeon is to use invasive and/or surgical methods to treat the musculoskeletal disorders suffered by persons with hemophilia, always within the context of a multidisciplinary team. Muscle hematomas must be diagnosed as early as possible and be subjected to continuous treatment until full resolution, as they are associated with the risk of severe complications (compartment syndromes and pseudotumors). Arthrocentesis (extraction of intra-articular blood) is recommended in cases of acute and profuse hemarthrosis. Synovectomy is mandatory in the case of synovitis. Radiosynovectomy plays a key role as it has been shown to reduce bleeding by 65%. Our department uses Yttrium-90 in knees and Rhenium-186 in elbows and ankles. Radiosynovectomy is our treatment of choice for synovitis whereas arthroscopic synovectomy is resorted to as second-line treatment. Total knee replacement (TKR) has shown itself to be effective for treating severe hemophilic arthropathy, although the infection risk in patients with hemophilia is higher than in patients with osteoarthritis (1-2 vs. 7%).

Chromic phosphate-32 colloid radiosynovectomy for the treatment of haemophilic synovitis: A long-term follow-up study

AIM

We previously reported the outcome of chromic phosphate-32(³² P) colloid synoviorthesis in 53 haemophilic patients with an average follow-up of 31 months. The purpose of the present study was the long-term follow-up of the same cohort on both clinical and radiographic features.

MATERIALS

Nine patients failed to attend the recall appointment. The mean follow-up for the remaining 44 patients (52 procedures) was 15 years (range, 14.6-15.5). The mean age at the time of reassessment was 31 years (range, 18-43).

RESULTS

The haemarthrosis frequency was not statistically significant at the latest follow-up years compared with 31 months (0.8 vs 0.4 per week, P = .3). There was no significant change in the clinical severity of haemophilic arthropathy (P = .5). Most of the treated joints still are in stage III of Fernandez-Palazzi and Caviglia classification. There was a trend towards the radiologic deterioration of arthritis with nearly 50% of patients at Arnold-Hilgartner Stage V. 13% of patients underwent a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The age at which the initial radiosynovectomy was performed was significantly higher in patients who had a TKA than those who had not (22 vs 15 years, P < .002).

CONCLUSION

The bleeding control effect of 32P on the target joint remains over time; however, it did not appear to halt the progression of radiographic changes in haemophiliacs. It could delay the need for TKA if it performs at the right time.

Measurement of joint health in persons with haemophilia: A systematic review of the measurement properties of haemophilia-specific instruments

INTRODUCTION

Accurate assessment of joint health in persons with haemophilia is crucial. Several haemophilia-specific measurement tools are available, but an overview of the measurement properties is lacking.

AIM

To provide an overview of the measurement properties of haemophilia-specific measurement tools to assess clinical joint health.

METHODS

MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for reports on reliability, validity or responsiveness of the World Federation of Haemophilia Orthopedic Joint Score (WFH), Colorado Physical Examination Score (CPE), joint examination score by Petrini (PJS) and Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS). Methodological quality of the studies was assessed using an adapted COSMIN checklist.

RESULTS

The search yielded 2905 unique hits, and 98 papers were included. The methodological quality of the included studies was limited. The HJHS was studied most extensively, which yielded limited evidence for good internal consistency and structural validity, moderate evidence for hypothesis testing in adults and conflicting evidence for hypothesis testing in children. Reliability, measurement error and responsiveness were rated unknown due to low COSMIN scores. For the CPE and PJS, we found limited to moderate evidence for good responsiveness and conflicting evidence for hypothesis testing.

CONCLUSION

Only patchy evidence is available on the quality of measurement properties of all haemophilia-specific joint health scores. Although significant gaps in the evidence for all instruments remain, measurement properties of the HJHS were most extensively studied and show no drawbacks for use in clinical practice. This review forms the basis for further research aimed at the assessment of measurement properties of measurement tools to assess joint health.

Intra-articular corticosteroid injections in haemophilic arthropathy: are they recommended?

INTRODUCTION

Intra-articular (IA) corticosteroid (CS) injections are commonly used in the treatment of osteoarthritis. However, they are rarely utilized in haemophilic arthropathy. In fact, the efficacy of this method in haemophilic arthropathy is frequently discussed and debated in clinical practice.

AIM

To investigate the effectiveness of IA CS injections in patients with painful haemophilic arthropathy.

METHODS

A review of the literature on the topic was performed.

RESULTS

In osteoarthritis, reports with a high level of evidence state that the efficacy of IA injections of CS is controversial. In haemophilic arthropathy, some low-level evidence reports seem to indicate that short-term pain alleviation can be achieved.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering that pain relief after IA injections of CS is controversial and that the cost of the haematologic treatment required to perform the procedure is high in haemophilic arthropathy, we do not recommend the routine use of CS IS injections in haemophilia. Moreover, point of care (POC) ultrasound (US)-guided injections are not advised, because the injection procedure is so simple that the use of POC-US will unnecessarily prolong the duration of the procedure.

Total joint replacement in inhibitor-positive haemophilia: Long-term outcome analysis in fifteen patients

AIM

To collect data from joint replacement in inhibitor patients, evaluate haemostatic and patient outcomes, and analyse the costs.

METHODS

We report our 21-year, single-centre cumulative experience of 15 joint arthroplasties in six inhibitor patients.

RESULTS

Two low responder inhibitor patients were in the early days treated with FVIII, whereas bypassing agents were used in the rest of the high responder patients. The primary haemostatic outcome was good in 8/15, fair in 4/15 and poor in 3/15 operations. The overall patient outcome, including joint health and patient satisfaction, was good in 10/15, fair 4/15 and poor in 1/15. No deep infections were observed. Cost analysis was most beneficial in low responders and in two immune-tolerized, high responder patients. In all cases, factor replacement comprised the main treatment costs.

CONCLUSION

Our experience supports the initial use of bypassing agents as well as preoperative immune-tolerance induction when possible. Despite the challenges of haemostasis and severe joint disease, total joint arthroplasty can reach a good outcome, even in inhibitor patients. The risk for deep infection might be smaller than previously reported. Individual planning, intense multidisciplinary teamwork and execution of operations should be centralised in a professional unit.

Effect of radiosynoviorthesis on the progression of arthropathy and haemarthrosis reduction in haemophilic patients

INTRODUCTION

Repeated haemarthrosis is widely accepted as the triggering cause of synovitis and haemophilic arthropathy. A first-line treatment of chronic synovitis is radiosynoviorthesis (RS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the RS effects on the progression of arthropathy and on a reduction in bleeding in patients with haemophilia.

METHODS

An observational-retrospective study was performed. Bleeding episodes in the 12 months following and in the 12 months preceding RS was compared. The arthropathy was clinically and radiologically analysed by age range, joint and subject, comparing those undergoing RS (Radiosynoviorthesis Group, RSG) against those not undergoing this treatment (Non-Radiosynoviorthesis Group, Non-RSG).

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy-four RS were performed in 71 patients (⁹⁰ Y in Knees and ¹⁸⁶ Re in elbows/ankles/shoulder). RS resulted in significant reduction in bleeding (582 preintervention and 168 postintervention, P < .001). In general, the level of arthropathy measured clinically and radiologically was greater with age increase in both groups (RSG and Non-RSG), especially in the 25-40 age range. A significant increase (P < .05) in the progression of arthropathy was also observed, both globally by patient and specifically for each joint, in non-RSG and RSG group.

CONCLUSION

RS is an effective method to reduce the number of haemarthrosis episodes in chronic synovitis. Moreover, RS can positively affect arthropathy by slowing down its progression. However, the results obtained suggest that arthropathy may be conditioned by the subject's age, regardless of whether or not the joint has undergone RS.

Orthopedic disorders of the knee in hemophilia: A current concept review

The knee is frequently affected by severe orthopedic changes known as hemophilic arthropathy (HA) in patients with deficiency of coagulation factor VIII or IX and thus this manuscript seeks to present a current perspective of the role of the orthopedic surgeon in the management of these problems. Lifelong factor replacement therapy (FRT) is optimal to prevent HA, however adherence to this regerous treatment is challenging leading to breakthrough bleeding. In patients with chronic hemophilic synovitis, the prelude to HA, radiosynovectomy (RS) is the optimal to ameliorate bleeding. Surgery in people with hemophilia (PWH) is associated with a high risk of bleeding and infection, and must be performed with FRT. A coordinated effort including orthopedic surgeons, hematologists, physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, physiotherapists and other team members is key to optimal outcomes. Ideally, orthopedic procedures should be performed in specialized hospitals with experienced teams. Until we are able to prevent orthopedic problems of the knee in PWH will have to continue performing orthopedic procedures (arthrocentesis, RS, arthroscopic synovectomy, hamstring release, arthroscopic debridement, alignment osteotomy, and total knee arthroplasty). By using the aforementioned procedures, the quality of life of PWH will be improved.

Radiosynovectomy in haemophilic synovitis of elbows and ankles: Is the effectiveness of yttrium-90 and rhenium-186 different?

BACKGROUND

Radiosynovectomy (RS) reduces the number of haemarthroses and the synovial size in chronic haemophilic synovitis. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively compare the effectiveness of two types of RS (yttrium-90 vs. rhenium-186) in terms of the objective improvement of haemarthroses and synovial size.

METHODS

Seventy RSs were performed in 70 joints (44 elbows, 26 ankles) of 70 haemophiliacs diagnosed with chronic synovitis. Yttrium-90 was used in 21 joints and rhenium-186 was used in 49 joints. The mean patient age was 20.61 years.

RESULTS

RS resulted in significant improvement in the three variables studied (six months before RS vs. six months after RS), namely in the number of episodes of haemarthrosis (67.8% improvement); the size of the synovium as measured by means of a clinical scale (43.8% improvement) and imaging techniques in millimetres (26.7% improvement). We did not find significant statistical differences between yttrium-90 and rhenium-186 regarding their efficacy. No correlation was found between the results and other variables: age, joint (ankle or elbow), presence or absence of radiological involvement, type of haemophilia (A or B), grade of haemophilia (mild, moderate or severe), previous haematological treatment (on demand or prophylaxis), and the presence or absence of inhibitor

CONCLUSIONS

Yttrium-90 RS and rhenium-186 RS were equally effective in reducing the number of haemarthroses and the size of the synovium in ankles and elbows in the short-term (6 months). No correlation was found between the results and other patients' characteristics.

Therapeutic radionuclides in nuclear medicine: current and future prospects

The potential use of radionuclides in therapy has been recognized for many decades. A number of radionuclides, such as iodine-131 ((131)I), phosphorous-32 ((32)P), strontium-90 ((90)Sr), and yttrium-90 ((90)Y), have been used successfully for the treatment of many benign and malignant disorders. Recently, the rapid growth of this branch of nuclear medicine has been stimulated by the introduction of a number of new radionuclides and radiopharmaceuticals for the treatment of metastatic bone pain and neuroendocrine and other malignant or non-malignant tumours. Today, the field of radionuclide therapy is enjoying an exciting phase and is poised for greater growth and development in the coming years. For example, in Asia, the high prevalence of thyroid and liver diseases has prompted many novel developments and clinical trials using targeted radionuclide therapy. This paper reviews the characteristics and clinical applications of the commonly available therapeutic radionuclides, as well as the problems and issues involved in translating novel radionuclides into clinical therapies.

Managing Haemophilia for Life: 5th Haemophilia Global Summit

The 5th Haemophilia Global Summit was held in Barcelona, Spain, in September 2014. The programme was designed by an independent Scientific Steering Committee of haemophilia experts and explored issues relevant to the practical management of haemophilia, as well as key opportunities and challenges for care in the future. The topics outlined in this supplement were selected by the Scientific Steering Committee for their relevance to improving haemophilia care globally. In this supplement from the meeting, Gerry Dolan explores pharmacokinetics and dynamics in haemophilia, and Gerry Dolan and Ian Jennings jointly address the role of the laboratory in haemophilia care. The potential benefits of low-dose prophylaxis regimens for people with haemophilia in the developing world are reviewed by Jerzy Windyga, and the question of whether 'Future haemophilia research should be undertaken in the developing world' is debated by Jerzy Windyga and Cedric Hermans. Management strategies for ankle arthropathy are discussed by Sébastien Lobet and E. Carlos Rodríguez-Merchán, and the use of ultrasound for the early detection of haemophilic arthropathy is addressed by Matteo Nicola Dario Di Minno and Víctor Jiménez-Yuste. Finally, the role of patients in the future of haemophilia care is reviewed by Brian O'Mahony.

Safety of radiation exposure after radiosynovectomy in paediatric patients with haemophilia

Many paediatric patients with haemophilia who might benefit from radiosynovectomy (RS) for the control of synovitis do not undergo the procedure as there is controversy in the literature regarding the safety of radiation exposure after two cases of acute lymphocytic leukaemia in children with haemophilia treated with (32) P RS were reported. The purpose of this review was to analyse the safety of RS in paediatric patients with haemophilia and provide a risk-benefit assessment, which practitioners could apply to their patients. Children undergoing knee RS receive a radiation dose of approximately 0.74 mSv (90 megabecquerels-MBq) and elbow and ankle RSs a dose of approximately 0.32 mSv (30-40 MBq). The radiation dose from natural sources is approximately 2 mSv and the recommended limit for patients (apart from natural sources) is 1 mSv per year. The lifetime cancer risk increases about 0.5% per 100 mSv per year. Considering the risks and benefits of RS, the authors recommend that clinicians consider this procedure in children with inhibitors or in patients without inhibitors when bleeding is recurrent and persistent despite aggressive factor replacement.

Radiosynovectomy in haemophilia: long-term results of 500 procedures performed in a 38-year period

BACKGROUND

Radiosynovectomy (RS) can reduce the number of haemarthroses in chronic haemophilic synovitis. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of RS in terms of the objective improvement of five parameters (number haemarthroses, articular pain, degree of clinical synovitis, clinical score of the World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH), and radiological score of the WFH.

METHODS

In a 38-year period (1976-2013), five hundred radiosynovectomies were performed in 443 joints of 345 patients with haemophilia diagnosed with chronic synovitis. The mean patient age was 23.7 years (range, 6-53). The mean follow-up was 18.5 years (range: 6 months-38 years). The RS was carried out with either yttrium-90 or rhenium-186. We performed 1 to 3 injections (RS-1, RS-2, RS-3), with a 6-month interval between them.

RESULTS

RS resulted in significant improvement in all the parameters studied, except in the WFH radiologic score that showed no improvement. On average, the number of haemarthroses decreased by 64.1% and articular pain decreased by 69.4%. The degree of synovitis showed a reduction of 31.3%. The WFH clinical score revealed an improvement of 19%. The WFH radiological score showed no improvement. There were four complications (0.9%) of RS. Twenty-eight (6.3%) joints eventually had to be subjected to arthroscopic synovectomy or total knee replacement (TKR). No cancer was observed in this group of patients during the 38-year period.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiosynovectomy (RS) is an effective, safe, minimally invasive, well tolerated procedure in the long-term for the treatment of chronic haemophilic synovitis. Moreover, it is very easy to perform. The knee required more injections than the elbow or the ankle and more severe synoviums required a higher number of RS procedures.

Radiosynovectomy in hemophilic synovitis

Radisosynovectomy (RS) is a local form of radionuclide therapy used in various forms of arthritis characterized by synovitis. In hemophilic arthropathy, RS provides removal of inflamed synovium and prevents further joint damage. This review focuses on the practical aspects of radionuclide synovectomy in hemophilic patients and describes the issues both related to the methodology and post-therapeutic follow-up.

Conflict of interest:None declared.

Joint disease, the hallmark of haemophilia: what issues and challenges remain despite the development of effective therapies?

Although effective therapies for haemophilia have been available for decades, the prevention and treatment of joint disease remain major clinical concerns for all haemophilia patients. Early identification of joint disease is vital to initiate or modify treatment, and prevent arthropathy. However, there remains a need for more sensitive and accurate methods, which may also detect improvement in patient outcome with new therapies or different prophylaxis regimens. These topics were explored at the Ninth Zürich Haemophilia Forum. A summary of our shared views on the limitations of current assessment methods, and the potential advantages of more recently developed tools, is provided. Ultrasonography enables more frequent routine monitoring and the early detection of joint disease. In addition, serological markers may provide suitable biomarkers of early arthropathy. To prevent arthropathy, in our opinion, prophylaxis is key to prevent joint bleeds and subsequent initiation of the 'vicious circle of joint disease'. However, issues remain, including when prophylaxis should be started, stopped, and if it is efficacious for inhibitor patients. Once joint bleeding has occurred, enhanced on-demand treatment should be considered. For more advanced stages of joint disease, the issues regarding the treatment options available are explored. Radiosynovectomy should be performed to treat chronic synovitis, and may prevent the need for elective orthopaedic surgery (EOS). Ultimately, however, EOS can be considered once all other treatment options have been explored. While, bypassing agents have facilitated the use of EOS in inhibitor patients, a multidisciplinary approach and careful surveillance is required for good patient outcome.

Radiosynovectomy: review of the literature and report from two haemophilia treatment centers

Haemophilic arthropathy occurs due to recurrent bleeding into joints leading to swelling, inflammation, destruction of cartilage and bone, and development of arthritis. Although prophylactic replacement therapy assists in preventing arthropathy, it is not always adequate or affordable. Radiosynovectomy is a minimally invasive intervention for treatment of synovitis in haemophilic joints. The procedure utilises locally injected radioisotopes (Y, P, Rh) to ablate abnormal synovium with the goal of decreasing bleeding, slowing progression of cartilage and bone damage and preventing arthropathy. The objective of this review is to summarize the radiosynovectomy literature and to present patient outcomes associated with radiosynovectomy over the past 17 years from two haemophilia treatment centers (HTCs), one in the United States and one in Spain. Articles from these two centers support the current literature. A retrospective medical records review was performed by the two reporting HTCs on patients who underwent radiosynovectomy prior to 2009. Data review included: site of procedure, isotope utilized, bleeding frequency, and procedure complications. Radiosynovectomy is a cost-effective, minimally invasive, well tolerated procedure. As the paradigm for care in haemophilia shifts towards prevention of joint disease, the number of target joints with synovitis will likely decrease, except in patients who develop inhibitors. We propose early consideration of radiosynovectomy for patients with haemophilic synovitis prior to appearance of articular cartilage damage.

Haemophilic synovitis of the elbow: radiosynovectomy, open synovectomy or arthroscopic synovectomy?

Arthroscopic synovectomy (AS) of the elbow, while providing similar pain relief to open synovectomy (OS), may place patients at higher risk for recurrence. The primary predictor of outcome is degree of pre-existing degenerative changes within the joint. Regarding haemophilia patients, radiosynovectomy (RS) is the best choice for patients with persistent synovitis of the elbow. In the elbow we recommend a dose of 30-40 megabecquerels (mBq) in children and a dose of 56-74 mBq in adults. If three consecutive RSs with 6 months intervals are ineffective, an AS or OS must be indicated. Synovectomy (by any method) significantly reduces bleeding episodes. Although the dose of radiation of RS is minimal, 0.32 millisieverts (mSv) in children, 0.54 mSv in adults, and neither articular nor systemic neoplastic changes related to RS have been reported so far, all patients must be given opportunity to consider risk/benefit ratios. Radiation dose due to natural sources is 2 mSv per year and the recommended limit for patients (apart from natural sources is 1 mSv per year). My current recommendation is to use RS in children older than 12 years of age. Therefore, in children younger than 12 years of age an AS should be indicated. OS should be reserved for adults requiring radial head excision (due to a severe limitation of pronation-supination) and synovectomy in the same surgical session.

The role of physical medicine and rehabilitation in haemophiliac patients

Physical medicine and rehabilitation aim to evaluate, diagnose and treat disability in haemophiliac patients, while preventing injury or deterioration. They also aim to maintain the greatest degree of functional capacity and independence in patients with haemophilia, or to return them to that state. Rehabilitation, together with clotting factor replacement therapy, has revolutionized the management of these patients in developed countries and reduced their morbidity/mortality rates. A knowledge of the musculoskeletal signs and symptoms of haemophilia is essential for providing a treatment which is suitable and customized. Physical medicine and rehabilitation techniques, which are based on physical means, are intended to reduce the impact which these injuries and their consequences or sequelae can have on the quality of life of patients with haemophilia. Under ideal haemostatic control conditions (primary prophylaxis), people with haemophilia could achieve good physical condition which will allow them to enjoy both physical activity and a daily life without limitations. Currently, children undergoing primary prophylaxis are quite close to this ideal situation. For these physical activities to be carried out, the safest possible situations must be sought.

Consecutive radiosynovectomy procedures at 6-monthly intervals behave independently in haemophilic synovitis

BACKGROUND

Previous studies on the same group of patients investigated here demonstrated the effectiveness of radiosynovectomy in the treatment of chronic haemophilic synovitis even if one, two or three radiosynovectomy procedures (RS-1, RS-2, RS-3) may be necessary. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the joints' response to each radiosynovectomy procedure behaved independently or not.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and fifty-six radiosynovectomies were performed in 104 joints of 78 people diagnosed with chronic haemophilic synovitis. The patient's mean age was 18 years. Fifty-eight patients required radiosynovectomy in a single joint, whereas 20 received treatment in more than one joint. Of the 104 joints subjected to radiosynovectomy, 33 were elbows, 47 knees and 24 ankles. Radiosynovectomy was carried out with either yttrium-90 or rhenium-186 (1-3 injections with 6-month intervals between them). Of the 104 joints, 68 required a single injection of the radioisotope (RS-1), 20 required two injections (RS-2) and 16 required three injections (RS-3). In eight cases (7.6%), the affected joints eventually required surgery.

RESULTS

An analysis of seven variables (number of bleeding episodes, articular pain, range of motion in flexion and extension, muscle strength in flexion and extension, and synovial thickness by imaging) demonstrated that each consecutive radiosynovectomy behaves independently in haemophilic synovitis.

DISCUSSION

Each consecutive radiosynovectomy behaves independently in haemophilic synovitis. This finding had not been documented in the literature before the present study.

Differing approaches to diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal complications of haemophilia in resource-rich and resource-limited settings

Management of the musculoskeletal complications of haemophilia should be consistent in both RRS (resource-rich settings) and RLS (resource-limited settings). Due to the lack of available resources in RLS, physicians face challenges that may limit their options for procedures. This article aimed to define the role of different techniques for the management of the musculoskeletal complications of haemophilia in RRS and RLS. A review of recent literature on the topic has been performed. In RLS, ultrasonography can be used as a diagnostic tool instead of MRI; chemical synovectomy can be the first alternative instead of radiosynovectomy and arthroscopic synovectomy; percutaneous treatment of pseudotumours can be performed instead of open surgical removal; finally, autologous cancellous bone can be used to fill cysts and pseudotumours instead of cancellous bone obtained from the Bone Bank. All diagnostic tools and treatments recommended for RLS have been proven to be efficacious; however, the ideal diagnosis and treatment for the musculoskeletal complications of haemophilia in RRS include MRI, radiosynovectomy, arthroscopic knee and ankle debridement in the early stages of arthropathy, total knee arthroplasty and total ankle arthroplasty or ankle fusion (in advanced stages of arthropathy), and surgical removal of pseudotumours. Treatments considered ideal in RRS should be the first therapeutic option if available. However, secondary treatment options that are less costly and therefore more readily available in RLS are perfectly valid and efficacious.

Orthopaedic problems about the ankle in hemophilia

Hemophilia is an inherited recessive, sex-linked bleeding disorder. The lack of sufficient coagulation factor VIII produces hemophilia A, and the lack of factor IX causes hemophilia B. The prevention and treatment of the disease requires intravenous infusion of the deficient factor. Hemophilic patients present with multiarticular joint degeneration (hemophilic arthropathy), secondary to recurrent hemarthroses. With the availability of deficient factors, hemophilic patients requiring elective ankle surgery can undergo such surgery with a high expectation of success. A thorough analysis of each case by a multidisciplinary team will increase the likelihood of successful surgical intervention in the hemophilic patient. Radiosynovectomy decreases both the frequency and the intensity of recurrent ankle bleeding episodes related to ankle synovitis. The general recommendation is that when 3 early consecutive radiosynovectomies (repeated every 6 months) fail to halt synovitis, arthroscopic synovectomy should be considered. For advanced hemophilic arthropathy of the ankle, the first alternative for treatment, in our opinion, is arthroscopic ankle debridement. In the most severe cases, we recommend either ankle arthrodesis or total ankle replacement. In every other case, we feel that the best therapy is prophylaxis and radiosynovectomy in order to avoid hemophilic synovitis and ankle arthropathy.

Biomechanics of lower limb haemophilic arthropathy

Intermittent joint bleeding and potential arthropathy remain a concern for patients and those responsible for haemophilic care. Monitoring the status of haemophilic joints is a current challenge. Evaluation of bone and soft tissue with radiological imaging together with clinical joint scoring is often used to monitor haemophilic arthropathy and may not be sufficiently sensitive to early changes in joint morphology. Recently an interest in the biomechanical status of haemophilic joints has emerged. Biomechanics is defined as the interdiscipline that describes, analyses and assesses movement in relation to biological and physical principles. This review considers the biomechanical evaluation of haemophilic joint status of the lower limb with particular reference to the evaluation of muscle atrophy, muscle strength, range of motion and gait as well as the relationship to haemophilic arthropathy. In raising the need for increased clinical awareness, this review highlights the need to establish test-retest and inter-rater reliability and ensuring that comparative studies are undertaken with age-matched unaffected peer groups.

Opinions on radiosynovectomy for chronic haemophilic synovitis: point/counterpoint

Joint bleeding is the hallmark of severe haemophilia and the major cause of disability in patients with this coagulopathy. Repeated bleeding into the same joint can lead to chronic synovitis and progressive arthropathy. Radiosynovectomy is one option for the treatment of chronic haemophilic synovitis, but concerns about the risks of exposure to ionizing radiation have divided clinicians as to the safety and appropriate use of the procedure. This article presents two differing viewpoints, one from a pair of orthopaedic surgeons who collectively have performed more than 300 radiosynovectomies in patients with haemophilia. They maintain that radiosynovectomy is a simple, effective, safe and low-cost technique children and adults with chronic haemophilic synovitis. The other perspective is from an experienced haemophilia treater who directs a major US haemophilia treatment centre. She believes that unresolved questions about the safety of radiation exposure in children argue against the use of radiosynovectomy in paediatric patients with haemophilia.

Prevention of the musculoskeletal complications of hemophilia

Hemophilia is an inherited disorder of clotting factor deficiencies resulting in musculoskeletal bleeding, including hemarthroses, leading to musculoskeletal complications. The articular problems of hemophiliac patients begin in infancy. These include: recurrent hemarthroses, chronic synovitis, flexion deformities, hypertrophy of the growth epiphyses, damage to the articular cartilage, and hemophilic arthropathy. The most commonly affected joints are the ankle, the knee, and the elbow. Hematologic prophylactic treatment from ages 2 to 18 years could avoid the development of hemophilic arthropathy if the concentration of the patient's deficient factor is prevented from falling below 1% of normal. Hemarthroses can be prevented by the administration of clotting factor concentrates (prophylaxis). However, high costs and the need for venous access devices in younger children continue to complicate recommendations for universal prophylaxis. Prevention of joint arthropathy needs to focus on prevention of hemarthroses through prophylaxis, identifying early joint disease through the optimal use of cost-effective imaging modalities and the validation of serological markers of joint arthropathy. Screening for effects on bone health and optimal management of pain to improve quality of life are, likewise, important issues. Major hemarthrosis and chronic hemophilic synovitis should be treated aggressively to prevent hemophilic arthropathy.

The efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging and x-ray in the evaluation of response to radiosynovectomy in patients with hemophilic arthropathy

Objective: We aimed to assess the role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and X-Ray in the evaluation of response to radiosynovectomy (RS) in patients with hemophilic arthropathy.

Material and Methods: Eleven patients who suffered from hemophilic arthropathy with a mean age of 11.7 (range between 7-15) were included in this study. 148-185 MBq Yttrium 90 silicate (Y-90) was administered intraarticularly to ten knee joints and one patient was treated with intraarticular 74 MBq Rhenium 186 (Re-186) injection into his ankle. Before radiosynovectomy, plain anteroposterior and lateral X-rays of the target joints were obtained by standard technique. The follow-up MRI and X-ray studies of the patients were done 6 months after RS. Pettersson hemophilic arthropathy scales were utilized to stage the condition of the joints on plain X-ray and classification of the investigated joints on MRI were done according to Denver score. The clinical assessment of the efficacy of the RS was made with the comparison of the average bleedings before and after the intervention.

Results: During the 6-month follow-up period after RS, an improvement in number of hemarthrosis 75% or greater compared with the prior six months occurred in six joints (54.5%). The Pettersson scores worsened in 1/11 (9%), remained unchanged in 9/11 (81.8%), and improved in 1/11 (9%) joints. At the 6-month follow-up, the MRI score worsened in one (9%) and was unchanged in 10/11 joints (90.9%).

Conclusion: MRI is a more sensitive tool than plain radiography for evaluating and follow-up of joint disease in persons with hemophilia, but both methods don’t show correlation with the therapeutic response

Conflict of interest:None declared.

What patient, joint and isotope characteristics influence the response to radiosynovectomy in patients with haemophilia?

The literature describes radiosynovectomy (RS) as a good non-surgical option for reducing synovial membrane size and thus the number of haemarthrosis episodes. However, there are still many aspects concerning the beneficial effects of RS that have not been quantified. A total of 156 radiosynovectomies (RS) were performed in 104 joints corresponding to 78 haemophiliacs (yttrium-90, rhenium-186). The mean patient age was 18 years. In another study involving the same group of patients, the parameters that improved most after RS were pain and haemarthrosis, followed by the World Federation of Hemophilia clinical score, muscle strength and range of movement (ROM). Following RS, improvement was seen to be independent of patient age, haemophilia type and grade, previous haematological treatment, the presence or absence of circulating inhibitor, synovial membrane size, the type of joint (elbow, knee and ankle), previous physical activity or lack of activity, the prior presence or absence of radiographic signs of joint degeneration (arthropathy) or the isotope used. RS is effective in treating haemophilic synovitis and may require 1-3 injections (RS-1, RS-2 and RS-3) spaced 6 months apart. Following RS-1, the knee had a 3.4- and 3.2-fold greater risk of not improving in terms of pain, compared with the elbow and ankle, respectively. Regarding ROM, lesser improvement was recorded after RS-1 in cases of severe haemophilia and the ankle. In other words, severe haemophilia implies a 2.1-fold greater risk of no improvement in ROM compared with mild and moderate haemophilia. In addition, the ankle presented a 6-fold greater risk of not improving in terms of ROM compared with the elbow and knee. RS affords effective treatment of chronic haemophilic synovitis. RS is effective in all patient groups, independently of the presence of circulating inhibitor antibody, the type of joint involved, the degree of synovial membrane hypertrophy and the presence of radiographic findings of joint degeneration (arthropathy).