Mortality, life expectancy, and causes of death of persons with hemophilia in the Netherlands 2001-2018

Joint health and pain in the changing hemophilia treatment landscape

INTRODUCTION

Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder. Bleeding, and in particular joint hemorrhage results in chronic arthropathy and disability. Acute and chronic pain are frequent and limit activity and participation and result in decreased health-related quality of life. Remarkable progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of hemophilia but bleeding continues to prove recalcitrant to currently available treatments and joint disease remains problematic. Physiotherapy and pain management are mainstays of current multidisciplinary integrated care of people with hemophilia (PWH). The focus of this review is on preservation of joint health in the era of new and innovative therapies.

AREAS COVERED

A search of the PubMed Central was conducted on 1 February 2024 using the MeSH Major Topic terms identified as keywords for the manuscript. This review will highlight what is known and unknown about joint bleeding and arthropathy, including insights on pain as a related complication.

EXPERT OPINION

Recent advances in therapeutic interventions aimed at promoting healthy joints in PWH will be discussed, including both the pharmacological treatment landscape and related strategies to promote joint health.

Nonsevere Hemophilia: The Need for a Renewed Focus and Improved Outcomes

People with nonsevere hemophilia (PWNSH) are phenotypically more diverse than those with severe hemophilia. Perceptions relating to a "nonsevere" phenotype have contributed to fewer research initiatives, fewer guidelines on optimal management, and a lack of standards for surveillance and clinical assessment for affected individuals. In many cases, episodes of abnormal bleeding could, if investigated, have led to earlier diagnosis. Furthermore, the major recent developments in therapy for hemophilia have largely focused on severe disease and, as a group, PWNSH have not been included in many key clinical trials. Benefiting people with severe disease, innovative replacement therapies have generally targeted factor levels that are above those present in a large proportion of PWNSH. Therapeutic advances can lead to improvement in phenotype for people with severe hemophilia over that currently experienced by many PWNSH. As a result, we are approaching a point where PWNSH may, in many countries, have a higher risk of bleeding and restriction in lifestyle than those with severe disease but with more limited therapeutic options. Given the multiple major advances in treatment for people with hemophilia, it is timely to review the aspects of nonsevere disease, to ensure equity in care and management for all individuals with this condition.

Exploring the effects of Factor Xa inhibitors on thrombin generation in people with haemophilia

Optimal management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in people with haemophilia (PWH) is a growing issue, given the continuing improvement in life expectancy among PWH. The evolving treatment paradigms targeting higher trough levels and the advent of non-factor replacement therapies (NFRT) means much of the 'protection' PWH were thought to have against CVD may be lost. There is a paucity of evidence regarding the safety of using anticoagulants in PWH. We designed a study assessing the thrombin generation (TG) of PWH of different severities and treatments, compared to non-haemophilia patients receiving a Factor Xa (FXa) inhibitor (apixaban or rivaroxaban), healthy controls, and assessing TG parameters of adding FXa inhibitor to the plasma of PWH receiving emicizumab prophylaxis. In total, 40 patients were included. TG was initiated with 5pM tissue factor (TF) using the calibrated automated thrombinoscope. Compared to those with mild haemophilia, patients receiving a FXa inhibitor had higher endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) (1278.42 vs 1831.36) and velocity index (40.71 vs 112.56), but both had a similar peak height (154.0 vs 262.63) and time to peak (both 5.83). People with severe haemophilia receiving emicizumab had significantly improved TG parameters compared to those not receiving emicizumab - ETP 1678.11 vs 809.96 and peak height 233.8 vs 92.05; however, when FXa inhibitor was added their TG parameters deteriorated to the severe haemophilia range (ETP 1179.60 and peak height 103.05). TG may provide additional useful information regarding the use of anticoagulants in PWH.

Hemophilia Gene Therapy: Another Blessing or Another Curse?

Medical therapies for hemophilia patients over the past 60 years have included several blessings and a curse. The long-sought cure with gene therapy may have finally arrived. Unfortunately, preclinical animal models are now raising concerns for genotoxicity with gene therapy. Although no cancers have been detected in humans, it may be a few decades before we know if gene therapy for hemophilia is another blessing, or another curse.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Etranacogene Dezaparvovec Versus Extended Half-Life Prophylaxis for Moderate-to-Severe Haemophilia B in Germany

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Haemophilia B is a rare genetic disease that is caused by a deficiency of coagulation factor IX (FIX) in the blood and leads to internal and external bleeding. Under the current standard of care, haemophilia is treated either prophylactically or on-demand via intravenous infusions of FIX. These treatment strategies impose a high burden on patients and health care systems as haemophilia B requires lifelong treatment, and FIX is costly. Etranacogene dezaparvovec (ED) is a gene therapy for haemophilia B that has been recently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration and has received a recommendation for conditional marketing authorization by the European Medicines Agency. We aimed to examine the cost-effectiveness of ED versus extended half-life FIX (EHL-FIX) prophylaxis for moderate-to-severe haemophilia B from a German health care payer perspective.

METHODS

A microsimulation model was implemented in R. The model used data from the ED phase 3 clinical trial publication and further secondary data sources to simulate and compare patients receiving ED or EHL-FIX prophylaxis over a lifetime horizon, with the potential for ED patients to switch treatment to EHL-FIX prophylaxis when the effectiveness of ED waned. Primary outcomes of this analysis included discounted total costs, discounted quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), incremental cost-effectiveness, and the incremental net monetary benefit. The annual discount rate for costs and effects was 3%. Uncertainty was examined via probabilistic analysis and additional univariate sensitivity analyses.

RESULTS

Probabilistic analysis indicated that patients treated with ED instead of EHL-FIX prophylaxis gained 0.50 QALYs and experienced cost savings of EUR 1,179,829 at a price of EUR 1,500,000 per ED treatment. ED was the dominant treatment strategy. At a willingness to pay of EUR 50,000/QALY, the incremental net monetary benefit amounted to EUR 1,204,840.

DISCUSSION

Depending on the price, ED can save costs and improve health outcomes of haemophilia patients compared with EHL-FIX prophylaxis, making it a potentially cost-effective alternative. These results are uncertain due to a lack of evidence regarding the long-term effectiveness of ED.

Adeno-associated virus as a delivery vector for gene therapy of human diseases

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has emerged as a pivotal delivery tool in clinical gene therapy owing to its minimal pathogenicity and ability to establish long-term gene expression in different tissues. Recombinant AAV (rAAV) has been engineered for enhanced specificity and developed as a tool for treating various diseases. However, as rAAV is being more widely used as a therapy, the increased demand has created challenges for the existing manufacturing methods. Seven rAAV-based gene therapy products have received regulatory approval, but there continue to be concerns about safely using high-dose viral therapies in humans, including immune responses and adverse effects such as genotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, thrombotic microangiopathy, and neurotoxicity. In this review, we explore AAV biology with an emphasis on current vector engineering strategies and manufacturing technologies. We discuss how rAAVs are being employed in ongoing clinical trials for ocular, neurological, metabolic, hematological, neuromuscular, and cardiovascular diseases as well as cancers. We outline immune responses triggered by rAAV, address associated side effects, and discuss strategies to mitigate these reactions. We hope that discussing recent advancements and current challenges in the field will be a helpful guide for researchers and clinicians navigating the ever-evolving landscape of rAAV-based gene therapy.

Etranacogene dezaparvovec gene therapy for haemophilia B (HOPE-B): 24-month post-hoc efficacy and safety data from a single-arm, multicentre, phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

Etranacogene dezaparvovec, the first gene therapy approved for haemophilia B treatment, was shown to be superior to treatment with continuous prophylactic factor IX in terms of bleeding protection 18 months after gene therapy in a phase 3 trial. We report post-hoc 24-month efficacy and safety data from this trial to evaluate the longer-term effects of etranacogene dezaparvovec in individuals with haemophilia B.

METHODS

The phase 3 HOPE-B trial enrolled males aged 18 years or older with inherited haemophilia B, classified as severe (plasma factor IX activity level <1%) or moderately severe (plasma factor IX activity level ≥1% and ≤2%), with a severe bleeding phenotype and who were on stable continuous factor IX prophylaxis. Participants were treated with a single infusion of etranacogene dezaparvovec (2 × 1013 genome copies per kg of bodyweight). The primary endpoint, reported previously, was non-inferiority of the annualised bleeding rate (ABR) during the 52 weeks following stable factor IX expression (defined as months 7-18 after treatment) versus an at least 6-month lead-in period in which participants received their usual continuous factor IX prophylaxis, and is updated here up to month 24. Additional, post-hoc efficacy analyses, including adjusted ABR, factor IX activity, participants within factor IX ranges, and factor IX use, and safety analyses were performed at 24 months after gene therapy. Data were analysed in the full analysis set, which comprised the 54 patients who received at least a partial dose of gene therapy. The trial is ongoing and is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT03569891.

FINDINGS

The study began on June 27, 2018, and participants were treated between January, 2019, and March, 2020; the date of data cutoff was April 21, 2022. 54 adult males (40 White, two Asian, one Black or African American, 11 other or missing) received a single intravenous infusion of etranacogene dezaparvovec and were followed for a median of 26·51 months (IQR 24·54-27·99), after a lead-in period of 7·13 months (6·51-7·82). In the updated analysis comparing months 7-24 after gene therapy to the lead-in period, mean adjusted ABR significantly reduced from 4·18 to 1·51 (p=0·0002) for all bleeds and from 3·65 to 0·99 (p=0·0001) for factor IX-treated bleeds. During each 6-month period after gene therapy, at least 67% of participants experienced no bleeding (36 of 54 during months 0-6 and stable thereafter), compared with 14 (26%) of 54 during the lead-in period. 24 months after gene therapy, 1 (2%) participant had one-stage factor IX activity less than 5%, whereas 18 (33%) had factor IX activity more than 40% (non-haemophilia range), with mean factor IX activity stable and sustained at 36·7% (SD 19·0%). 52 (96%) of 54 participants expressed endogenous factor IX, remaining free of factor IX prophylaxis at month 24. No new safety concerns were identified and no treatment-related serious adverse events or treatment-related deaths occurred. The most common treatment-related adverse events were an increase in alanine aminotransferase (nine [17%] of 54 patients), headache (eight [15%]), influenza-like illness (seven [13%]), and an increase in aspartate aminotransferase (five [9%]).

INTERPRETATION

By providing durable disease correction throughout the 24 months after gene therapy, etranacogene dezaparvovec provides a safe and effective therapeutic option for patients with severe or moderately severe haemophilia B.

FUNDING

uniQure and CSL Behring.

Safety and efficacy of combined dual antiplatelet therapy and factor VIII prophylaxis in patients with haemophilia A after acute coronary syndrome

INTRODUCTION

The increased life expectancy of patients with haemophilia A (HA) has led to a growing prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and events. There is still scarce evidence on the safety and appropriate duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in HA patients.

AIM

We describe our experience on the clinical management of Italian HA patients after ACS.

METHODS

Nine patients with congenital HA treated with DAPT after a revascularization procedure performed for ACS have been enrolled and followed at the Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Haemophilia and Thrombosis Center in Milan between 2005 and September 2022. The safety and efficacy of DAPT with or without FVIII prophylaxis were assessed.

RESULTS

Ten ACS events occurred in the nine HA patients (four mild and five severe). All events were treated with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty with deployment of 1 to 3 drug-eluting stents followed by DAPT for 1-12 months. All patients except one were treated with FVIII prophylaxis during DAPT aimed at achieving FVIII trough levels ≥20-30 IU/dL. DAPT was effective in all cases in preventing early ACS recurrence, with only a late recurrence. We observed two clinically relevant non-major bleeds (one in a patient without FVIII prophylaxis) and three minor bleeds. No venous thrombosis occurred.

CONCLUSION

The long-term secondary antithrombotic prevention consisting of DAPT and FVIII prophylaxis achieving a trough level of 20-30 IU/dL can be effective and safe in HA patients.

Improved outcomes and cost savings for patients with bleeding disorders: a quality improvement project

Background

Providing optimal care for patients with bleeding disorders according to national standards remains a challenge at designated Hemophilia Treatment Centers (HTCs). Improved care may reduce bleeds and costs.

Objectives

To improve care and demonstrate cost savings by 1) reducing preventable hospitalizations and emergency room visits (PHER) for bleeding, 2) increasing use of prophylaxis in severe hemophilia, and 3) improving patient-HTC communication and primary care engagement.

Methods

Prospective quality improvement project using the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control methodology to implement uniform guideline-based bleeding disorder care at a rural HTC (N = 88). Intervention used a standardized physician checklist, improved communication, and reserved physician time for urgent management. Outcomes were determined by retrospective chart review; urgent management was tracked prospectively.

Results

Intervention significantly reduced PHER by 85.4%. Use of prophylaxis in persons with severe hemophilia increased from 58.8% to 100%; attainment of a primary care physician and electronic portal enrollment met outcomes for intervention success. HTC clinic visit attendance was low at 55.2%. The majority of patients (71.6%) had at least 1 outpatient urgent episode (mean, 0.72 episode per year), and 93% had nonurgent management (mean, 9.3 episodes per year) occurring outside of a clinic visit. Hospital PHER factor cost in the group was reduced by 94.5%, from $11,800 to $640 per patient per year-a cost savings of $982,088 yearly.

Conclusion

This collaborative study shows that implementation of a carefully designed quality improvement project, such as uniform guidelines with focus on strengthening ambulatory management, led to improved outcomes and cost savings.

Using Real-World Data to Inform Value-Based Contracts for Cell and Gene Therapies in Medicaid

OBJECTIVE

High upfront costs and long-term benefit uncertainties of gene therapies challenge Medicaid budgets, making value-based contracts a potential solution. However, value-based contract design is hindered by cost-offset uncertainty. The aim of this study is to determine actual cost-offsets for valoctocogene roxaparvovec (hemophilia A) and etranacogene dezaparvovec (hemophilia B) from Colorado Medicaid's perspective, defining payback periods and its uncertainty from the perspective of Colorado Medicaid.

METHODS

This cost analysis used 2018-2022 data from the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing to determine standard-of-care costs and employed cost simulation models to estimate the cost of Medicaid if patients switched to gene therapy versus if they did not. Data encompassed medical and pharmacy expenses of Colorado Medicaid enrollees. Identified cohorts were patients aged 18+ with ICD-10-CM codes D66 (hemophilia A) and D67 (hemophilia B). Severe hemophilia A required ≥ 6 claims per year for factor therapies or emicizumab, while moderate/severe hemophilia B necessitated ≥ 4 claims per year for factor therapies. Patients were included in the cohort in the year they first met the criteria and were subsequently retained in the cohort for the duration of the observation period. Standard-of-care included factor VIII replacement therapy/emicizumab for hemophilia A and factor IX replacement therapies for hemophilia B. Simulated patients received valoctocogene roxaparvovec or etranacogene dezaparvovec. Main measures were annual standard-of-care costs, cost offset, and breakeven time when using gene therapies.

RESULTS

Colorado Medicaid's standard-of-care costs for hemophilia A and B were $426,000 [standard deviation (SD) $353,000] and $546,000 (SD $542,000) annually, respectively. Substituting standard-of-care with gene therapy for eligible patients yielded 8-year and 6-year average breakeven times, using real-world costs, compared with 5 years with published economic evaluation costs. Substantial variability in real-world standard-of-care costs resulted in a 48% and 59% probability of breakeven within 10 years for hemophilia A and B, respectively. Altering eligibility criteria significantly influenced breakeven time.

CONCLUSIONS

Real-world data indicates substantial uncertainty and extended payback periods for gene therapy costs. Utilizing real-world data, Medicaid can negotiate value-based contracts to manage budget fluctuations, share risk with manufacturers, and enhance patient access to innovative treatments.

Emergent data influences the risk/benefit assessment of hemophilia gene therapy using recombinant adeno-associated virus

After decades of investigation, gene therapy has received regulatory approval to treat hemophilia. However, since gene therapy investigations were initially conceived, other avenues of treatment have revolutionized the care of hemophilia. Emergent data is showing that gene therapy may not be as beneficial as hoped and more toxic than planned. At a minimum, a reassessment of risk/benefit estimate of gene therapy for hemophilia is needed.

Racial and ethnic differences in reported haemophilia death rates in the United States

INTRODUCTION

People with haemophilia's life expectancies have improved over time. Whether progress has been experienced equitably is unknown.

AIM

To examine recorded haemophilia death (rHD) rates according to race and ethnicity in the United States (US).

METHODS

In this cohort study, rHDs were examined with US National Vital Statistics' 1999-2020 Multiple Cause-of-Death data. rHD was defined as having a haemophilia A (D66) or B (D67) ICD-10 code in the death certificate (underlying or multiple causes of death). Age-adjusted rHD rates were compared with age-adjusted rate ratios (aRR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI).

RESULTS

There were 3115 rHDs in males with an rHD rate of 0.98 per 1 million males. Between 1999 and 2020, rHD rates declined by 46% in NH (Non-Hispanic) White, 44% in NH Black (aRR = 0.56, 95%CI 0.43, 0.74), and 42% in Hispanic (aRR = 0.58, 95%CI 0.39, 0.88) males. However, rHD rates remained higher and were on average 30% greater in NH Black versus NH White males (aRR = 1.30 95% CI 1.16, 1.46). Among males with rHD, the median age at death rose from 54.5 to 65.5 years between 1999 and 2020 and was 12 years lower in NH Black (56 years) versus NH White (68 years) males in 2010-2020. There were 930 females with rHD, with an age-adjusted rate of 0.22 per 1 million females, which was consistent between 1999 and 2020.

CONCLUSION

Reported haemophilia-death rates improved in males across all race/ethnicities, but rates were higher Black versus White males. Given the inherent limitations of the current study's data source, further investigation of survival rates and disparities in haemophilia are needed.

Transition readiness among adolescents and young adults with haemophilia in the Netherlands: Nationwide questionnaire study

INTRODUCTION

Care for adolescents with haemophilia is transferred from paediatric to adult care around the age of 18 years. Transition programs help to prepare adolescents for this transfer and prevent declining treatment adherence. Evaluating transition readiness may identify areas for improvement.

OBJECTIVE

Assess transition readiness among Dutch adolescents and young adults with haemophilia, determine factors associated with transition readiness, and identify areas of improvement in transition programs.

METHODS

All Dutch adolescents and young adults aged 12-25 years with haemophilia were invited to participate in a nationwide questionnaire study. Transition readiness was assessed using multiple-choice questions and was defined as being ready or almost ready for transition. Potential factors associated with transition readiness were investigated, including: socio-demographic and disease-related factors, treatment adherence, health-related quality of life, and self-efficacy.

RESULTS

Data of 45 adolescents and 84 young adults with haemophilia (47% with severe haemophilia) were analyzed. Transition readiness increased with age, from 39% in 12-14 year-olds to 63% in 15-17 year-olds. Nearly all post-transition young adults (92%, 77/84) reported they were ready for transition. Transition readiness was associated with treatment adherence, as median VERITAS-Pro treatment adherence scores were worse in patients who were not ready (17, IQR 9-29), compared to those ready for transition (11, IQR 9-16). Potential improvements were identified: getting better acquainted with the adult treatment team prior to transition and information on managing healthcare costs.

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly all post-transition young adults reported they were ready for transition. Improvements were identified regarding team acquaintance and preparation for managing healthcare costs.

Hemophilia gene therapy: first, do no harm

The introduction of adeno-associated virus-mediated, liver-directed gene therapy into the hemophilia treatment landscape brings not only great promise but also considerable uncertainty to a community that has a history punctuated by the devastating effects of HIV and hepatitis C virus. These infections were introduced into people with hemophilia through the innovation of factor concentrates in the 1970s and 1980s. Concentrates, heralded as a major advance in treatment at the time, brought devastation and death to the community already challenged by the complications of bleeding into joints, vital organs, and the brain. Over the past 5 decades, considerable advances in hemophilia treatment have improved the survival, quality of life, and participation of people with hemophilia, although challenges remain and health equity with their unaffected peers has not yet been achieved. The decision to take a gene therapy product is one in which an informed, holistic, and shared decision-making approach must be employed. Bias on the part of health care professionals and people with hemophilia must be addressed and minimized. Here, we review data leading to the regulatory authorization of valoctocogene roxaparvovec, an adeno-associated virus 5 gene therapy, in Europe to treat hemophilia A and etranacogene dezaparvovec-drlb in the United States and Europe to treat hemophilia B. We also provide an overview of the decision-making process and recommend steps that should be taken by the hemophilia community to ensure the safety of and optimal outcomes for people with hemophilia who choose to receive a gene therapy product.

A Qualitative Study Exploring the Experiences and Perceptions of Patients with Hemophilia Regarding Their Health-Related Well-Being, in Salamanca

Hemophilia is a chronic, congenital/hereditary and X-linked disease, characterized by an insufficiency of factors VIII or IX, which are necessary for blood clotting. Those affected by hemophilia often suffer from particular psychosocial problems, both in the acceptance, coping, treatment and self-management of their disease and in their family and social relationships, which are often mediated by these circumstances. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of people with hemophilia or their family members, of in a specific region of Spain, regarding the impact of having hemophilia. Structured interviews were conducted and developed, using the studies of the World Federation of Hemophilia and Osorio-Guzmán et al. as a guide, as well as a literature review of qualitative work on hemophilia. Data were analyzed using a six-step thematic analysis. A total of 34 interviews were thematically analyzed. The results showed that three key themes emerged from the data: (1) the daily impact of having hemophilia, (2) uncertainty about the disease, (3) the role of associations and (4) support from institutions. The results make it clear that the disease has a major impact on their lives (work, family, leisure and personal environment). The main conclusion is that hemophilia has a negative impact on the daily lives of patients, families and caregivers.

Patients' and health care providers' perspectives on quality of hemophilia care in the Netherlands: a questionnaire and interview study

Background

Hemophilia care has improved greatly because of advances in treatment options and comprehensive care. In-depth insight into the perspectives of persons with hemophilia and health care providers on their care may provide targets for further improvements.

Objectives

To assess satisfaction of the hemophilia population with their care, to explore factors determining care satisfaction, and to identify areas for potential health care improvements, including digital health tools.

Methods

First, to assess care satisfaction and factors determining satisfaction and health care improvements, data from a nationwide, cross-sectional questionnaire among 867 adult and pediatric Dutch persons with hemophilia A or B were analyzed. This included the Hemophilia Patient Satisfaction Scale questionnaire, Canadian Hemophilia Outcomes Kids' Life Assessment Tool satisfaction questions, a visual analog scale satisfaction score, and open questions. Second, to further explore factors determining satisfaction and health care improvements, semistructured interviews were conducted with 19 persons with hemophilia or their parents and 18 health care providers.

Results

High care satisfaction was found, with an overall median Hemophilia Patient Satisfaction Scale score of 12 (IQR, 6-21). Participants in the interviews reported that patient-professional interactions, availability of care, and coordination of care were major factors determining satisfaction. Suggested health care improvements included improved information provision and coordination of care, especially shared care with professionals not working within comprehensive care centers. Participants suggested that digital health tools could aid in this.

Conclusion

Satisfaction with hemophilia care is high among persons with hemophilia in the Netherlands, although several potential improvements have been identified. Accentuating these is especially relevant in the current era of treatment innovations, in which we might focus less on other aspects of care.

The ethics of gene therapy for hemophilia: a narrative review

Gene therapy is expected to become a promising treatment, and potentially even a cure, for hemophilia. After several years of research, the first gene therapy product has been granted conditional market authorization by the European Union in August 2022. The recent progress in the field also has implications on the ethical aspects of hemophilia gene therapy. Reviews conducted in the 2000s mainly identified questions on the ethics of conducting early-phase clinical trials. However, since then, the knowledge on safety and efficacy has improved, and the field has moved toward clinical application, a phase that has its own ethical aspects. Therefore, we conducted a narrative review to take stock of the ethical aspects of hemophilia gene therapy. Based on our analysis of the literature, we identified 3 ethical themes. The theme Living up to expectations describes the existing hopes for gene therapy and the unlikelihood of the currently approved product becoming a permanent cure. In the theme Psychosocial impacts, we discuss the fear that gene therapy will impact the identity of people with hemophilia and their need for psychosocial support. The theme Costs and access discusses the expected cost-effectiveness of gene therapy and its implications on accessibility worldwide. We conclude that it may be necessary to change the narratives surrounding gene therapy, from describing it as a cure to describing it as one of the many treatments that temporarily relieve symptoms and that there is a need to reevaluate the desirability of gene therapy for hemophilia, given the availability of other treatments.

Health and quality of life of patients with haemophilia: A national study of 124 Danish men

PURPOSE

In the past decades, haemophilia treatment has greatly improved the health of persons with haemophilia (PWH). This study compares PWH to the general population on social conditions and health.

METHODS

In December 2021, all Danes with moderate or severe haemophilia A or B, or von Willebrands disease type 3 were invited to participate in an online self-report survey concerning sociodemographic factors, self-rated health, teeth status, chronic health conditions, symptoms and loneliness. This study compares responses from the 124 adult male PWH with responses from a male general population sample (N = 4849). Analyses used logistic regression, controlling for age and highest completed education.

RESULTS

Fewer PWH were in the oldest age group (65-84 years). Controlling for age, no significant differences were found regarding cohabitation status or education. Fewer PWH were employed (OR = .48, [.33-.71])-particularly in the 45-64 age group. PWH were less likely to report good health (OR = .49, [.31-.77]). The odds of joint disease was much higher (OR = 13.00, [8.37-20.28]). Also, hypertension (OR = 2.25, [1.13-5.65]) and previous stroke (OR = 2.51, [1.44-3.50]) were more frequent. PWH were more likely to report pain in the arms/hands/legs/hips (OR = 2.94, [1.92-4.52]), but less likely to report pain in the head/neck/shoulder (OR = .66, [.45-.96]).

CONCLUSION

The disease burden of haemophilia has improved so PWH resembles the general population in areas such as marriage and education. However, even for young PWH, the disease still imposes a significant burden from hemophilia arthropathy and pain in extremities and joints. Middle-aged PWH also have poorer levels of employment than same-aged peers.

Gene Therapy with Etranacogene Dezaparvovec for Hemophilia B

BACKGROUND

Moderate-to-severe hemophilia B is treated with lifelong, continuous coagulation factor IX replacement to prevent bleeding. Gene therapy for hemophilia B aims to establish sustained factor IX activity, thereby protecting against bleeding without burdensome factor IX replacement.

METHODS

In this open-label, phase 3 study, after a lead-in period (≥6 months) of factor IX prophylaxis, we administered one infusion of adeno-associated virus 5 (AAV5) vector expressing the Padua factor IX variant (etranacogene dezaparvovec; 2×10¹³ genome copies per kilogram of body weight) to 54 men with hemophilia B (factor IX activity ≤2% of the normal value) regardless of preexisting AAV5 neutralizing antibodies. The primary end point was the annualized bleeding rate, evaluated in a noninferiority analysis comparing the rate during months 7 through 18 after etranacogene dezaparvovec treatment with the rate during the lead-in period. Noninferiority of etranacogene dezaparvovec was defined as an upper limit of the two-sided 95% Wald confidence interval of the annualized bleeding rate ratio that was less than the noninferiority margin of 1.8. Superiority, additional efficacy measures, and safety were also assessed.

RESULTS

The annualized bleeding rate decreased from 4.19 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.22 to 5.45) during the lead-in period to 1.51 (95% CI, 0.81 to 2.82) during months 7 through 18 after treatment, for a rate ratio of 0.36 (95% Wald CI, 0.20 to 0.64; P<0.001), demonstrating noninferiority and superiority of etranacogene dezaparvovec as compared with factor IX prophylaxis. Factor IX activity had increased from baseline by a least-squares mean of 36.2 percentage points (95% CI, 31.4 to 41.0) at 6 months and 34.3 percentage points (95% CI, 29.5 to 39.1) at 18 months after treatment, and usage of factor IX concentrate decreased by a mean of 248,825 IU per year per participant in the post-treatment period (P<0.001 for all three comparisons). Benefits and safety were observed in participants with predose AAV5 neutralizing antibody titers of less than 700. No treatment-related serious adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Etranacogene dezaparvovec gene therapy was superior to prophylactic factor IX with respect to the annualized bleeding rate, and it had a favorable safety profile. (Funded by uniQure and CSL Behring; HOPE-B ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03569891.).

Increased acute care utilisation, comorbidities and mortality in adults with haemophilia: A population-based cohort study from 2012 to 2019

INTRODUCTION

Improvements in treatment strategies have led to increased life expectancy of persons with haemophilia (PWH). Consequently, age-related comorbidities become increasingly relevant.

AIM

To evaluate the prevalence of age-related comorbidities, mortality, health service utilisation and predictors of hospitalisation in PWH compared to the general population.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study using linked administrative data. Men with haemophilia were identified in Alberta, Canada (2012-2019) with a validated case definition and were age-matched with male population controls. We calculated the prevalence of major comorbidities, all-cause mortality, and examined health service utilisation including Emergency Department visits and hospitalisations. Logistic regression was applied to identify predictors of hospitalisation.

RESULTS

We identified 198 and 329 persons with moderately severe haemophilia and mild/moderate, respectively. Moderately severe haemophilia had a higher risk of death (standardised mortality ratio 3.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4-6.3) compared to the general population. PWH had a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension, liver diseases and malignancies than controls. Moderately severe haemophilia was associated with significantly higher rates of hospitalisations (52.5% vs. 14.5%), Emergency Department visits (89.1% vs. 62.7%) and intensive care admissions (8.9% vs. 2.3%). Age > 65 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 6.8) and presence of multiple comorbidities (aOR 3.9) were significant predictors of hospitalisations among PWH.

CONCLUSION

Despite advanced care, haemophilia is associated with higher acute care utilisation than the general population, highlighting the substantial burden of illness on patients and the health care system.

Prevalence of selected bleeding and thrombotic events in persons with hemophilia versus the general population: A scoping review

Life expectancy for persons with hemophilia has increased over recent decades due to advances in treatment practice and patient care. Those with hemophilia are now more likely to be affected by conditions associated with aging, such as myocardial infarction, hemorrhagic/ischemic stroke, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and intracranial hemorrhage. Here, we describe the results of a literature search designed to summarize current data on the prevalence of the above selected bleeding and thrombotic events in persons with hemophilia vs the general population. A total of 912 articles published between 2005 and 2022 were identified in a search of BIOSIS Previews, Embase, and MEDLINE databases conducted in July 2022. Case studies, conference abstracts, review articles, studies focusing on hemophilia treatments or surgical outcomes, and studies examining patients with inhibitors only were excluded. After screening, 83 relevant publications were identified. The prevalence of bleeding events was consistently higher in hemophilia populations vs reference populations (hemorrhagic stroke, 1.4%-5.31% vs 0.2%-0.97%; intracranial hemorrhage, 1.1%-10.8% vs 0.04%-0.4%). Serious bleeding events showed a high rate of mortality with standardized mortality ratios for intracranial hemorrhage ranging from 3.5 to 14.88. Although 9 studies reported lower prevalence of arterial thrombosis (myocardial infarction/stroke) in hemophilia vs general populations, 5 studies reported higher or comparable prevalence in hemophilia. Prospective studies are therefore needed to understand the prevalence of bleeding and thrombotic events in hemophilia populations, particularly with the observed increases in life expectancy and availability of novel treatments.

Hepatitis C Virus Infections in Patients with Hemophilia: Links, Risks and Management

Haemophilia is a rare, hereditary bleeding disorder. Clotting factor concentrates were a revolutionary treatment which changed the life of people with haemophilia. However, early generation of clotting factor concentrates, without viral inactivation procedures in the manufacturing process, led to an increased risk of transmission of blood-borne viral infections, mainly due to hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus. As only 20% of HCV-infected patients clear the infection naturally, chronic HCV infection constitutes a serious health problem and a major cause of chronic liver disease in this group of patients. Fortunately, the use of viral inactivation procedures in the plasma-derived factor concentrates manufacturing process and the availability of alternative treatment options, led to a significant reduction of transfusion-associated viral infections. The advent of multiple, orally administrated, highly effective direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) is changing the natural history of HCV infection in patients with haemophilia as these drugs have an excellent safety profile and achieve very high sustained virological response rates, similar to the general population. Eradication of HCV-infection in patients with haemophilia is feasible via micro-elimination projects.

Socioeconomic participation of persons with hemophilia: Results from the sixth hemophilia in the Netherlands study

Background and objectives

Treatment availability and comprehensive care have resulted in improved clinical outcomes for persons with hemophilia. Recent data on socioeconomic participation in the Netherlands are lacking. This study assessed participation in education, in the labor market, and social participation for persons with hemophilia compared with the general male population.

Methods

Dutch adults and children (5–75 years) of all hemophilia severities (n = 1009) participated in a questionnaire study that included sociodemographic, occupational, and educational variables. Clinical characteristics were extracted from electronic medical records. General population data were extracted from Statistics Netherlands. Social participation was assessed with the PROMIS Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities short form, with a minimal important difference set at 1.0.

Results

Data from 906 adults and children were analyzed. Participation in education of 20 to 24 year olds was 68% (general male population: 53%). Educational attainment was higher compared with Dutch males, especially for severe hemophilia. Absenteeism from school was more common than in the general population. The employment‐to‐population ratio and occupational disability were worse for severe hemophilia than in the general population (64.3% vs. 73.2% and 14.7% vs. 4.8%, respectively), but similar for nonsevere hemophilia. Unemployment was 5.4% (general male population: 3.4%). Absenteeism from work was less common (38% vs. 45.2%). Mean PROMIS score was similar to or higher than in the general population (54.2; SD 8.9 vs. 50; SD 10).

Conclusion

Socioeconomic participation of persons with nonsevere hemophilia was similar to the general male population. Some participation outcomes for persons with severe hemophilia were reduced.

Polypharmacy and medication regimen complexity in older patients with hemophilia or von willebrand disease: the M'HEMORRH-AGE study

BACKGROUND

In older patients, multiple chronic conditions lead topolypharmacy which is associated with a higher risk of adverse drug events. Nowadays, the medication exposure of older patients with bleeding disorders has been poorly explored.

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of polypharmacy and the medication regimen complexity in older community-dwelling patients with hemophilia or von Willebrand Disease (VWD).

METHOD

The M'HEMORRH-AGE study (Medication in AGEd patients with HEMORRHagic disease) is a multicenter prospective observational study. Community-dwelling patients over 65 years with hemophilia or VWD were included in the study. The rate of polypharmacy (use of 5 to 9 drugs daily) and excessive polypharmacy (use of 10 or more medications daily) was assessed. The complexity of prescribed medication regimens was assessed using the Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI).

RESULTS

Overall, 142 older community-dwelling patients with hemophilia (n = 89) or VWD (n = 53) were included (mean age: 72.8 (5.8) years). Prevalence of polypharmacy and excessive polypharmacy were 40.8% and 17.6%, respectively. The mean MRCI score was 16.9 (6.1). The mean MRCI score related to bleeding disorders medications was 6.9 (1.1). There was no significant difference between older hemophilia patients and VWD patients.

CONCLUSION

The M'HEMORRH-AGE study showed that more than half of older community-dwelling patients were affected by polypharmacy. In addition, the high medication regimen complexity in this older population suggests that interventions focusing on medication review and deprescribing should be conducted to reduce polypharmacy with its negative health-related outcomes.

Associated comorbidities, healthcare utilization & mortality in hospitalized patients with haemophilia in the United States: Contemporary nationally representative estimates

INTRODUCTION

Current in-hospital burden and healthcare utilization patterns for persons with haemophilia (PWH) A and B, including both children (ages < 18 years) and adults (ages ≥ 18 years), in the United States (US) are lacking.

AIM

To evaluate healthcare utilization, the prevalence of comorbidities, and mortality in hospitalized paediatric and adult PWH using a contemporary nationally representative cohort.

METHODS

Hospitalizations of PWH either as the primary reason for admission (principal diagnosis) or one of all listed diagnoses were identified using ICD-10 codes from the 2017 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), the largest publicly available all-payer inpatient discharge database in the US. Sampling weights were applied to generate nationally representative estimates.

RESULTS

The contemporary cohort included 10,555 hospitalizations (paediatrics, 18.3%; adults, 81.7%) among PWH as one-of-all listed diagnoses (n = 1465 as principal diagnosis). Median age (interquartile range) was 46 (24-66) years overall; adults, 54 (35-70) years and paediatric, 4 (1-11). The most common comorbidities in adults were hypertension (33.4%), hyperlipidaemia (23.6%), and diabetes (21.1%). In children, hemarthrosis (11.4%), contusions (9.6%), and central line infections (9.3%) were the most common. The overall mortality rate was 2.3%. Median hospital charges per haemophilia admission were $52,616 ($24,303-$135,814) compared to $26,841 ($12,969-$54,568) for all-cause admissions in NIS.

CONCLUSION

Bleeding and catheter-related infections are the significant reasons for paediatric haemophilia admissions. Adult haemophilia admissions tend to be associated with age-related comorbidities. Costs for haemophilia-related hospitalizations are higher than the national average for all-cause hospitalizations.

Quantification of emicizumab by mass spectrometry in plasma of people with hemophilia A: A method validation study

Background

Emicizumab is a new treatment option for people with hemophilia A. Emicizumab was approved with a body‐weight‐based dosage regimen, without laboratory monitoring requirements. Guidelines, however, recommend measuring emicizumab concentrations when the presence of antidrug antibodies is suspected. Furthermore, drug monitoring can be useful in clinical decision making, in adherence checking, and for research purposes. Therefore, we developed a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method for quantifying emicizumab. We performed a validation study on this LC‐MS/MS method quantifying emicizumab in the plasma of people with hemophilia A.

Methods

Sample preparation for LC‐MS/MS analysis included ammonium sulfate protein precipitation and trypsin digestion. A signature peptide of emicizumab and a matching stable isotope‐labeled internal standard were used to quantify emicizumab by LC‐MS/MS analysis. Validation was performed in accordance with the “Guideline on Bioanalytical Method Validation” of the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The LC‐MS/MS method was cross validated against a modified and calibrated (r² Diagnostics) one‐stage clotting assay (OSA).

Conclusions

The LC‐MS/MS method demonstrated linearity over a wide range of emicizumab concentrations, far exceeding the concentrations observed in people with hemophilia A. Precision and accuracy were excellent, and all other validation parameters were also within the acceptance EMA criteria. Cross validation showed that the LC‐MS/MS method and the OSA‐based method can be used interchangeably for drug monitoring of emicizumab without the application of a correction factor.

Prostatic artery embolization in men with severe hemophilia a: a case report of two patients

Background

This is the first case report describing the peri- and postoperative hemostasis plans in two men with severe hemophilia A (HA) who underwent prostatic artery embolization (PAE) for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Case presentation

Two patients with severe HA and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) not responding to medical therapy underwent PAE at our institution. In both patients, intermittent administration of decreasing doses of extended half-life recombinant factor VIII (EHL rFVIII) concentrate from 30 min before to 7 days after the PAE resulted in good hemostatic control. In addition to EHL rFVIII, tranexamic acid was administered in the same timeframe to augment the action of EHL rFVIII and to account for possible mucosal bleeding from the urinary tract. Both patients reported a minor localized hematoma at the femoral puncture site in the right groin, that resolved spontaneously. No other bleeding complications were observed.

Conclusions

The procoagulant effects of the chosen dosing of EHL rFVIII showed sufficient to perform a technically successful embolization. At 6 months follow-up, both patients had significant reduction in self-reported urinary symptoms and were content with the outcome.

Intracranial Haemorrhage in Haemophilia Patients Is Still an Open Issue: The Final Results of the Italian EMO.REC Registry

Background: Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a highly serious event in patients with haemophilia (PWH) which leads to disability and in some cases to death. ICH occurs among all ages but is particularly frequent in newborns. Aim: The primary aim was to assess the incidence and mortality due to ICH in an Italian population of PWH. Secondary aims were to evaluate the risk factors for ICH, the role of prophylaxis, and the clinical management of patients presenting ICH. Methods: A retrospective-prospective registry was established in the network of the Italian Association of Haemophilia Centers to collect all ICHs in PWH from 2009 to 2019 reporting clinical features, treatments, and outcomes. Results: Forty-six ICHs were collected from 13 Centers. The ICHs occurred in 15 children (10 < 2 years), and in 31 adults, 45.2% of them with mild hemophilia. Overall, 60.9% patients had severe haemophilia (15/15 children). Overall ICH incidence (×1000 person/year) was 0.360 (0.270−0.480 95% CI), higher in children <2 years, 1.995 (1.110−3.442 95% CI). Only 7/46 patients, all with severe haemophilia, had received a prophylactic regimen before the ICH, none with mild. Inhibitors were present in 10.9% of patients. In adult PWHs 17/31 suffered from hypertension; 85.7% of the mild subjects and 29.4% of the moderate/severe ones (p < 0.05). ICH was spontaneous in the 69.6% with lower rate in children (46.7%). Surgery was required in 21/46 patients for cerebral hematoma evacuation. Treatment with coagulation factor concentrates for at least three weeks was needed in 76.7% of cases. ICH was fatal in 30.4% of the cases. Of the survivors, 50.0% became permanently disabled. Only one-third of adult patients received long term prophylaxis after the acute treatment. Conclusion: The results from our Registry confirm the still high incidence of ICH in infants <2 years and in adults, particularly in mild PWHs presenting hypertension and its unfavorable outcomes. The majority of PWHs were treated on-demand before ICH occurred, suggesting the important role of prophylaxis in preventing such life-threatening bleeding.

Cardiovascular disease in hereditary haemophilia: The challenges of longevity

The development of effective and safe treatments has significantly increased the life expectancy of persons with haemophilia (PWH). This has been accompanied by an increase in the comorbidities of ageing including cardiovascular disease, which poses particular challenges due to the opposing risks of bleeding from haemophilia and antithrombotic treatments versus thrombosis. Although mortality secondary to coronary artery disease in PWH is less than in the general population, the rate of atherosclerosis appears similar. The prevalence of atrial fibrillation in PWH and risk of secondary thromboembolic stroke are not well established. PWH can be safely supported through acute coronary interventions but data on the safety and efficacy of long‐term antithrombotics are scarce. Increased awareness and research on cardiovascular disease in PWH will be crucial to improve primary prevention, acute management, secondary prevention and to best support ageing PWH.

Potentially inappropriate medications and anticholinergic and sedative burden in older patients with haemophilia or von Willebrand disease: The M'HEMORRH-AGE study

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

In older patients, multiple chronic conditions lead to the intake of multiple medications and a higher risk of adverse drug events. The exposure to inappropriate medications in older patients with bleeding disorders is poorly explored. The aim of this study was to describe the exposure to potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and medications with anticholinergic and sedative properties in older community-dwelling patients with haemophilia or von Willebrand Disease (VWD).

METHODS

The M'HEMORRH-AGE study (Medication in AGEd patients with HAEMORRHagic disease) is a multicentre prospective observational study. Community-dwelling patients over 65 years with haemophilia or VWD were included in the study. PIMs were identified using the EU(7)-PIM list, and the anticholinergic and sedative drug exposure was measured using the Drug Burden Index.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

142 older community-dwelling patients with haemophilia (n = 89) or VWD (n = 53) were included (mean age: 72.8 ± 5.8 years). PIMs were used by 45.8% of older patients and were mainly represented by cardiovascular (34.9%), nervous systems (26.7%) and alimentary tract and metabolism PIMs (25.6%). Regarding anticholinergic and/or sedative medications, 37.3% of older patients were exposed mainly due to nervous system medications (68.3%), for example analgesics.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

The M'HEMORRH-AGE study showed the exposure to PIMs and anticholinergic/sedative medications was high in older community-dwelling patients with haemophilia or VWD. Interventions focusing on deprescription of these inappropriate medications should be conducted in this specific population.

How to manage bleeding disorders in aging patients needing surgery

With improvements in medical care, the life expectancy of patients with bleeding disorders is approaching that of the general population. A growing population of older adult patients with bleeding disorders is at risk of age-related comorbidities and in need of various elective and emergent age-related procedures. The increased risk of thrombosis and volume overload in older adults complicates perioperative hemostatic management. Furthermore, antithrombotic treatment such as antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy, which is frequently required for various cardiovascular interventions, requires a meticulous individualized approach. Evidence-based guidelines for the management of aging patients with bleeding disorders are lacking, largely due to the underrepresentation of older adult patients in clinical trials as well as the rarity of many such bleeding disorders. We discuss the current guidelines and recommendations in the perioperative hemostatic management of older adult patients with hemophilia and von Willebrand disease as well as other rare bleeding disorders. The optimal management of these patients is often complex and requires a thorough multidisciplinary and individualized approach involving hematologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and the specialists treating the underlying disorder.

Reduced cardiovascular morbidity in patients with hemophilia: results of a 5-year multinational prospective study

In this prospective study, PWH have a lower-than-predicted incidence of CVD.

The QRISK-2011 risk predictor is not valid for PWH.

Hemophilia is a congenital bleeding disorder caused by low levels of clotting factor VIII or IX. The life expectancy of people with hemophilia (PWH) has increased with the availability of clotting factor concentrates. At the same time, the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has increased; in retrospective studies, there are conflicting data regarding if, despite this increase, the incidence is still lower than in the general population. We prospectively compared the incidence of CVD in PWH vs the predicted incidence. This prospective, multicenter, observational study included adult PWH (aged >30 years) from The Netherlands and United Kingdom. They were followed up for a 5-year period, and CVD incidence was compared with a predicted event rate based on the QRISK2-2011 CVD risk model. The primary end point was the observed fatal and nonfatal CVD incidence after 5 years compared with the estimated events and in relation to severity of hemophilia. The study included 709 patients, of whom 687 (96.9%) completed 5 years’ follow-up or reached an end point. For 108 patients, the QRISK score could not be calculated at inclusion. For the remaining 579, fewer CVD events were observed than predicted: 9 vs 24 (relative risk, 0.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.18-0.80; P = .01), corresponding with an absolute risk reduction of 2.4%. Severe hemophilia treated on demand had the highest risk reduction. There was no statistically significant relation between severity of hemophilia and incidence of CVD. In hemophilia, a lower-than-predicted CVD incidence was found, supporting the theory that hemophilia protects against CVD. The study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01303900.

All-cause mortality and causes of death in persons with haemophilia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Improvements in haemophilia treatment over the last decades resulted in increased life expectancy in persons with haemophilia (PWH).

AIM

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine all-cause mortality and causes of death among PWH.

METHODS

We systematically searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL and Cochrane central register of controlled trials from inception through March 15, 2021. Studies that reported a mortality estimate of PWH compared with the general population and/or reported causes of death were included. Random-effects meta-analysis with inverse variance method was used to obtain pooled estimates. We stratified the analysis by the year of cohort entry (before 2000 vs after 2000).

RESULT

Of the 4769 studies identified, 52 met the eligibility criteria. The pooled all-cause standardized mortality ratio (SMR) from 9 studies in PWH was 1.93 (95% CI 1.38-2.70; I² = 97%). The pooled SMRs before and after the year 2000 were 2.40 (95% CI 1.92-3.00; I² = 87%) and 1.20 (95% CI 1.03-1.40; I² = 62%), respectively. Before the year 2000, 31.2% deaths occurred due to HIV followed by haemorrhage (26.0%), cardiovascular disease (18.2%), liver disease (9.0%), and cancer (8.9%). Fewer (13.9%) deaths were attributable to HIV after the year 2000 with the proportion of deaths due to haemorrhage remaining unchanged.

CONCLUSION

With treatment advances, mortality in PWH has declined over the last few decades approaching that of the general population. However, haemorrhage remains a leading cause of death requiring further attention.

Health and treatment outcomes of patients with hemophilia in the Netherlands, 1972-2019

INTRODUCTION

We conducted six cross-sectional nationwide questionnaire studies among all patients with hemophilia in the Netherlands from 1972 until 2019 to assess how health outcomes have changed, with a special focus on patients >50 years of age.

METHODS

Data were collected on patient characteristics, treatment, (joint) bleeding, joint impairment, hospitalizations, human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C infections, and general health status (RAND-36).

RESULTS

In 2019, 1009 patients participated, of whom 48% had mild, 15% moderate, and 37% severe hemophilia. From 1972 to 2019, the use of prophylaxis among patients with severe hemophilia increased from 30% to 89%. Their median annual bleeding rate decreased from 25 to 2 bleeds. Patients with severe hemophilia aged <16 years reported joint impairment less often over time, but in those aged >40 years joint status did not improve. In 2019, 5% of all 1009 patients were positive for the human immunodeficiency virus. The proportion of patients with an active hepatitis C infection drastically decreased from 45% in 2001 to 2% in 2019 due to new anti-hepatitis C treatment options. Twenty-five percent had significant liver fibrosis even after successful therapy. Compared to the general male population, patients aged >50 years reported much lower scores on the RAND-36, especially on physical functioning.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

Our study shows that increased use of prophylactic treatment and effective hepatitis C treatment have improved joint health and nearly eradicated hepatitis C infection in patients with hemophilia in the Netherlands. However, patients still suffer from hemophilia-related complications, especially patients aged >50 years.

Incidence and mortality rates of intracranial hemorrhage in hemophilia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a severe complication that is relatively common among hemophilia patients. This systematic review aimed to obtain more precise estimates of ICH incidence and mortality in hemophilia, which may be important for patients, caregivers, researchers and health policy-makers. PubMed and EMBASE were systematically searched using terms related to "hemophilia" and "intracranial hemorrhage" or "mortality". Studies that allowed calculation of ICH incidence or mortality rates in a hemophilia population of at least 50 patients were included. We summarized evidence on ICH incidence and calculated pooled ICH incidence and mortality in three age groups: (1) persons of all ages with hemophilia, (2) children and young adults below 25 years of age with hemophilia and (3) neonates with hemophilia. Incidence and mortality were pooled with a Poisson-Normal model or a Binomial-Normal model. We included 45 studies that represented 54 470 patients, 809 151 person-years and 5326 live births of hemophilia patients. In persons of all ages, the pooled ICH incidence and mortality rates were 2.3 (95% CI 1.2-4.8) and 0.8 (95% CI 0.5-1.2) per 1000 person-years, respectively. In children and young adults, the pooled ICH incidence and mortality rates were 7.4 (95% CI 4.9-11.1) and 0.5 (95% CI 0.3-0.9) per 1000 person-years, respectively. In neonates, the pooled cumulative ICH incidence was 2.1% (95% CI 1.5-2.8) per 100 live births. ICH was classified as spontaneous in 35-58% of cases. Our findings suggest that ICH is an important problem in hemophilia that occurs among all ages, requiring adequate preventive strategies.

Haemophilia

Haemophilia A and B are rare congenital, recessive X-linked disorders caused by lack or deficiency of clotting factor VIII (FVIII) or IX (FIX), respectively. The severity of the disease depends on the reduction of levels of FVIII or FIX, which are determined by the type of the causative mutation in the genes encoding the factors (F8 and F9, respectively). The hallmark clinical characteristic, especially in untreated severe forms, is bleeding (spontaneous or after trauma) into major joints such as ankles, knees and elbows, which can result in the development of arthropathy. Intracranial bleeds and bleeds into internal organs may be life-threatening. The median life expectancy was ~30 years until the 1960s, but improved understanding of the disorder and development of efficacious therapy based on prophylactic replacement of the missing factor has caused a paradigm shift, and today individuals with haemophilia can look forward to a virtually normal life expectancy and quality of life. Nevertheless, the potential development of inhibitory antibodies to infused factor is still a major hurdle to overcome in a substantial proportion of patients. Finally, gene therapy for both types of haemophilia has progressed remarkably and could soon become a reality.

Applying World Health Organization 2020 guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behavior to people with hemophilia

Introduction: The new World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on physical activity incorporate new concepts, such as sedentary behavior, recommendations for specific age groups and for people living with chronic conditions and disability. This could be extrapolated for the first time to people with hemophilia (PWH) within the framework in which these recommendations are applicable. The benefits of physical activity for PWH include physical, psychological and social benefits.Areas covered: This is a narrative review of the literature. We searched the MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library for WHO guidelines and articles related to physical activity in PWH. For all population groups, the benefits of performing exercise outweigh the possible harms. In PWH, there is a perceived increased risk of bleeding associated with physical activity. However, research suggests that this risk is associated with trauma during activity rather than intensity of physical activity, which offers the most health benefits.Expert opinion: Given the hematological, physical and functional conditions of PWH are highly variable, individualized counseling is needed based on age, therapeutic strategy, degree of arthropathy and level of disability. In this article, we analyze the applicability of the WHO recommendations to PWH, which is important to further promote healthy lifestyle motivation.

Viral hepatitis in haemophilia: historical perspective and current management

The introduction of clotting factor concentrates has substantially improved the lives of people with clotting factor deficiencies. Unfortunately, the transmission of blood-borne viral infections through these plasma-derived products led to a huge epidemic of human immunodeficiency virus and viral hepatitis in people with haemophilia (PWH). In a significant proportion of PWH exposed to these viruses, the ensuing decades-long chronic infection resulted in excess morbidity and mortality. Fortunately, developments in the safety of blood products, as well as vaccination and highly effective antiviral treatments have improved the prospects of PWH. The present article reviews the background of the viral hepatitis epidemic in PWH, the natural history of hepatitis B and C infections and their long-term management.

The Cost-effectiveness of Gene Therapy for Severe Hemophilia B: Microsimulation Study from the United States Perspective

Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy is a novel treatment promising to reduce morbidity associated with hemophilia. While multiple clinical trials continue to evaluate efficacy and safety, limited cost-effectiveness data have been published. This study compared the potential cost-effectiveness of AAV-mediated factor IX(FIX)-Padua gene therapy for severe hemophilia B patients in the United States (US) to on-demand FIX replacement and primary FIX prophylaxis, using either standard or extended half-life FIX products. A microsimulation Markov model was constructed and transition probabilities between health states and utilities were informed by published data. Costs were aggregated using a micro-costing approach. An 18-years-old till death time-horizon from the perspective of a third-party payer in the US was conducted. Gene therapy was more cost-effective than both alternatives considering a $150,000/QALY threshold. The price for gene therapy was assumed $2,000,000 in the base-case scenario, yet one of the one-way sensitivity analyses was conducted using observed manufacturing, administration and five-year follow-up cost of $87,198 for AAV-mediated gene therapy vector as derived from the manufacturing facility and clinical practice at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. One-way sensitivity analyses showed 10/102 scenarios in which gene therapy was not cost-effective compared to alternative treatments. Notably, gene therapy remained cost-effective in a hypothetical scenario in which we estimated that the discounted factor concentrate price was 20% of the wholesale acquisition cost in the US. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis estimated gene therapy cost-effective at 92% of simulations considering $150,000/QALY threshold. In conclusion, based on detailed simulation inputs and assumptions, gene therapy was more cost-effective than on-demand treatment and prophylaxis for patients with severe hemophilia B.

Mortality, life expectancy, and causes of death of persons with hemophilia in the Netherlands 2001-2018

BACKGROUND

Treatment of patients with hemophilia has advanced over the past decades, but it is unknown whether this has resulted in a normal life expectancy in the Netherlands.

OBJECTIVE

This observational cohort study aimed to assess all-cause and cause-specific mortality in patients with hemophilia in the Netherlands between 2001 and 2018 and to compare mortality and life expectancy with previous survival assessments from 1973 onward.

PATIENTS/METHODS

All 1066 patients with hemophilia who participated in a nationwide survey in 2001 were followed until July 2018.

RESULTS

Information on 1031 individuals (97%) was available, of whom 142 (14%) deceased during follow-up. Compared with the general Dutch male population, mortality of patients with hemophilia was still increased (standardized mortality ratio: 1.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.2-1.7). Intracranial bleeding and malignancies were the most common causes of death. Estimated median life expectancy of patients with hemophilia was 77 years, 6 years lower than the median life expectancy of the general Dutch male population (83 years). Over the past 45 years, death rates of patients with hemophilia have consistently decreased, approaching the survival experience of the general population. Over the past decades, mortality due to human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus infections has decreased, death due to intracranial hemorrhages has increased, and death due to ischemic heart disease has remained consistently low over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Survival in patients with hemophilia in the Netherlands has improved over time but is still lower than that of the general population.