Cardiovascular risk in patients with hemophilia

Clots and bleeds: the outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention in hemophilia patients with acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Hemophilia is a disease characterized by a high risk of bleeding. With advances in treatment, life expectancy and aging-associated diseases such as coronary artery disease have increased. Our primary objective is to assess for major adverse outcomes, mortality, and length of hospital stay in individuals with hemophilia presenting for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

Our retrospective cohort study analyzed data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database (NIS) for 2018 to investigate the outcomes of ACS management with PCI in adults with and without hemophilia. We used ICD-10 codes to exclude patients with significant comorbidities and identify those with ACS undergoing PCI. Propensity score matching and multivariable logistic regression were employed to account for over 20 baseline characteristics, mitigating confounding factors.

RESULTS

The incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding (11.0% vs. 2.8%, p < 0.001), hemorrhagic stroke (10.0% vs. 1.4%, p < 0.001), and retroperitoneal hemorrhage (5.6% vs. 1.4%, p < 0.001) was significantly higher in individuals with hemophilia undergoing PCI compared to those without hemophilia. Additionally, venous thromboembolism (VTE) incidence was notably higher in the hemophilia cohort (6.6% vs. 2.4%, p = 0.027). The hemophilia cohort also experienced a higher mortality rate (7.1% vs. 3.3%, p = 0.037) and longer hospital stays.

CONCLUSION

Patients with hemophilia undergoing PCI are at a significantly greater risk of adverse events, increased mortality, and longer hospital stays than the general population. To mitigate the risk of unfavorable outcomes, it is crucial to ensure adequate replenishment of coagulation factors and establish close collaboration between cardiologists and hematologists.

Reducing the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in people with hemophilia: the importance of primary prevention

Revolutionary advances in the treatment of hemophilia has led to a significant improvement in life expectancy. Associated with this has been an increase in age-related diseases especially atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). While people with hemophilia (PWH) develop atherosclerosis at rates similar to those of the general population, rates of atherothrombosis and mortality related to CVD have been much lower, due to their hypocoagulable state. Changing treatment paradigms, aimed at reducing the risk of bleeding by improving hemostasis to levels approaching normality, has meant that the protection they are thought to have had may be lost. CVD risk factors are just as common in PWH as in the general population, but appear to be undertreated. In particular, primary prevention of CVD is vital in all individuals, but particularly in PWH as treatment of established CVD can be difficult. Active identification and management of CVD risk factors, such as obesity, physical inactivity, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia, is required. In particular, statins have been shown to significantly reduce cardiovascular and all-cause mortality with few adverse events and no increased risk of bleeding in the general population, and their use needs urgent assessment in PWH. Further longitudinal research into preventing CVD in PWH, including accurate CVD risk assessment, is required to optimize prevention and management.

Targeting Lipoprotein(a): Can RNA Therapeutics Provide the Next Step in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease?

Numerous genetic and epidemiologic studies have demonstrated an association between elevated levels of lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) and cardiovascular disease. As a result, lowering Lp(a) levels is widely recognized as a promising strategy for reducing the risk of new-onset coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. Lp(a) consists of a low-density lipoprotein-like particle with covalently linked apolipoprotein A (apo[a]) and apolipoprotein B-100, which explains its pro-thrombotic, pro-inflammatory, and pro-atherogenic properties. Lp(a) serum concentrations are genetically determined by the apo(a) isoform, with shorter isoforms having a higher rate of particle synthesis. To date, there are no approved pharmacological therapies that effectively reduce Lp(a) levels. Promising treatment approaches targeting apo(a) expression include RNA-based drugs such as pelacarsen, olpasiran, SLN360, and lepodisiran, which are currently in clinical trials. In this comprehensive review, we provide a detailed overview of RNA-based therapeutic approaches and discuss the recent advances and challenges of RNA therapeutics specifically designed to reduce Lp(a) levels and thus the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Bleeding Outcomes in Patients Treated With Asundexian in Phase II Trials

BACKGROUND

Phase II trials of asundexian were underpowered to detect important differences in bleeding.

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to obtain best estimates of effects of asundexian vs active control/placebo on major and clinically relevant nonmajor (CRNM) and all bleeding, describe most common sites of bleeding, and explore association between asundexian exposure and bleeding.

METHODS

We performed a pooled analysis of 3 phase II trials of asundexian in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), recent acute myocardial infarction (AMI), or stroke. Bleeding was defined according to the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis (ISTH) criteria.

RESULTS

In patients with AF (n = 755), both asundexian 20 mg and 50 mg once daily vs apixaban had fewer major/CRNM events (3 of 249; incidence rate [IR] per 100 patient-years 5.47 vs 1 of 254 [IR: not calculable] vs 6 of 250 [IR: 11.10]) and all bleeding (12 of 249 [IR: 22.26] vs 10 of 254 [IR: 18.21] vs 26 of 250 [IR: 50.56]). In patients with recent AMI or stroke (n = 3,409), asundexian 10 mg, 20 mg, and 50 mg once daily compared with placebo had similar rates of major/CRNM events (44 of 840 [IR: 7.55] vs 42 of 843 [IR: 7.04] vs 56 of 845 [IR: 9.63] vs 41 of 851 [IR: 6.99]) and all bleeding (107 of 840 [IR: 19.57] vs 123 of 843 [IR: 22.45] vs 130 of 845 [IR: 24.19] vs 129 of 851 [IR: 23.84]). Most common sites of major/CRNM bleeding with asundexian were gastrointestinal, respiratory, urogenital, and skin. There was no significant association between asundexian exposure and major/CRNM bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

Analyses of phase II trials involving >500 bleeds highlight the potential for improved safety of asundexian compared with apixaban and similar safety compared with placebo. Further evidence on the efficacy of asundexian awaits the results of ongoing phase III trials.

Atherosclerosis in Patients with Congenital Hemophilia: A Focus on Peripheral Artery Disease

Advances in the treatment of hemophilia have increased the life expectancy of this population and we are currently facing diseases associated with aging, including cardiovascular ones. Coronary atherosclerosis, with acute myocardial infarction as the most severe form of manifestation, has been recognized as part of the comorbidities of hemophiliacs. However, little is known about peripheral artery disease. Available data show that hemophiliacs have cardiovascular risk factors and atherosclerosis similar to the general population. Impaired thrombus formation and phenotype of atheroma plaque rather than the burden of atherosclerosis explains their lower cardiovascular mortality. Since the effect of traditional cardiovascular risk factors overpowers that of decreased coagulability and promotes the onset and progression of atherosclerotic lesions, screening for traditional cardiovascular risk factors and peripheral artery disease should be integrated into standard hemophilia care. There is evidence that invasive treatments and long-term antithrombotic therapy are generally safe, provided that coagulation factor levels are taken into account and replacement therapy is given when necessary.

The relative risk of ischemic cerebrovascular accident in patients with Von Willebrand disease

Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Von Willebrand factor plays an important role in platelet activation and adhesion. It remains unclear whether Von Willebrand disease (vWD) is associated with a decreased risk of developing CVA. The study aimed to compare the relative risk (RR) of CVA in patients with and without vWD. We queried the National Inpatient Sample from 2009 to 2014 for discharge data and records for vWD and CVA using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth-Revision codes. The unadjusted and adjusted RR of CVA in patients with and without vWD were estimated using log-binomial model. Descriptive measures including means, medians, standard deviations, and range were presented based on normality test of continuous data. The prevalence of CVA was lower in patients with vWD than in those without vWD (1.31% vs 2.04%), with a RR of 0.64 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.60-0.68). After adjusting for common CVA risk factors, the RR remained lower in vWD patients: 0.81 (95% CI: 0.76-0.86). vWD is associated with a lower RR of developing CVA. This suggests that deficiency of Von Willebrand factor is potentially protective against the development of CVA. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in humans to compare the RR of CVA in patients with and without vWD. Future studies are needed to explore causal relationships and therapeutic benefits.

Emicizumab prophylaxis in haemophilia A with inhibitors: Three years follow-up from the UK Haemophilia Centre Doctors' Organisation (UKHCDO)

INTRODUCTION

The UK National Haemophilia Database (NHD) collects data from all UK persons with haemophilia A with inhibitors (PwHA-I). It is well-placed to investigate patient selection, clinical outcomes, drug safety and other issues not addressed in clinical trials of emicizumab.

AIMS

To determine safety, bleeding outcomes and early effects on joint health of emicizumab prophylaxis in a large, unselected cohort using national registry and patient reported Haemtrack (HT) data between 01 January 2018 and 30 September 2021.

METHODS

Prospectively collected bleeding outcomes were analysed in people with ≥6 months emicizumab HT data and compared with previous treatment if available. Change in paired Haemophilia Joint Health Scores (HJHS) were analysed in a subgroup. Adverse events (AEs) reports were collected and adjudicated centrally.

RESULTS

This analysis includes 117 PwHA-I. Mean annualised bleeding rate (ABR) was .32 (95% CI, .18; .39) over a median 42 months treatment with emicizumab. Within-person comparison (n = 74) demonstrated an 89% reduction in ABR after switching to emicizumab and an increase in zero treated bleed rate from 45 to 88% (p < .01). In a subgroup of 37 people, total HJHS improved in 36%, remained stable in 46% and deteriorated in 18%, with a median (IQR) within-person change of -2.0 (-9, 1.5) (p = .04). Three arterial thrombotic events were reported, two possibly drug related. Other AEs were generally non-severe and usually limited to early treatment, included cutaneous reactions (3.6%), headaches (1.4%), nausea (2.8%) and arthralgia (1.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Emicizumab prophylaxis is associated with sustained low bleeding rates and was generally well-tolerated in people with haemophilia A and inhibitors.

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.

Endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis related miRNA-expression in patients with haemophilia

INTRODUCTION

Elevated markers of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation indicate worse endothelial function in the aging haemophilia population. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. Several miRNAs have been shown to be involved in the process of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis.

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the underlying molecular pathways of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation in haemophilia patients.

METHODS

A total of 25 patients with severe or moderate haemophilia A (20 patients) or B (5 patients), 14 controls and 18 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) after myocardial infarction were included in this study. Expression of miRNA-126, -155, -222, -1, -let7a, -21 and -197 were analysed using a real time polymerase chain reaction. Network-based visualisation and analysis of the miRNA-target interactions were performed using the MicroRNA ENrichment TURned NETwork (MIENTURNET).

RESULTS

Expression of miRNA-126 (p < .05) and miRNA-let7a (p < .05) were significantly higher in CAD patients compared to haemophilia patients and controls. MiRNA-21 (p < .05) was significantly elevated in CAD patients compared to controls. MiRNA-155 (p < .05), miRNA-1 (p < .05) and miRNA-197 (p < .05) were significantly higher expressed in CAD and haemophilia patients compared to controls and showed a strong correlation with increased levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1). The network analysis revealed interactions in the cytokine signalling, focal adhesion and VEGFA-VEGFR2 pathway (Vascular endothelial growth factor, -receptor).

CONCLUSION

This study characterises miRNA expression in haemophilia patients in comparison to CAD patients and healthy controls. The results imply comparable biological processes in CAD and haemophilia patients.

Prevalence of comorbid conditions among older males with haemophilia receiving care in haemophilia treatment centers in the United States

INTRODUCTION

Increased survival among men with haemophilia has brought with it an increased risk of age-related comorbidities that may be challenging to treat in the presence of a bleeding disorder.

AIM

Estimate the prevalence of several age-related comorbidities among older males with haemophilia receiving care in the U.S. haemophilia treatment center (HTC) network compared to that among the general population.

METHODS

People with bleeding disorders who receive care in network HTCs can volunteer to participate in a surveillance registry that collects detailed clinical information including the presence of comorbid conditions at annual visits. We used registry data collected on males with haemophilia age 45 years and older to calculate lifetime prevalence of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, renal disease, cancer, anxiety and depression. Comparable data on the U.S. general male population was obtained from the National Health Interview Survey.

RESULTS

During the surveillance period, 1592 middle-aged (45-64 years) and 645 older (≥65 years) patients with haemophilia had comorbidity data collected during 6435 HTC visits. Most haemophilia patients in both age groups had a higher prevalence of anxiety, depression and diabetes, but a lower prevalence of hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke and myocardial infarction compared to the general U.S. male population. In addition, middle-aged patients had lower rates of leukemia, whereas older patients had higher rates of obesity than the general population.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight the mental stress associated with this chronic condition and support continued public health obesity prevention efforts in the haemophilia community.

Outcomes of COVID-19 in Adult Males With Hemophilia A: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

Background Hypercoagulability is a major pathologic event in COVID-19. Factor VIII plays an important role in hemostasis, and high levels of factor VIII have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of thrombosis and severe disease. Little is known about the impact of COVID-19 on clinical outcomes in patients with hemophilia A. Methodology Retrospective data of adult male patients with COVID-19 with and without hemophilia A were retrieved from the TriNetX database (Cambridge, USA). The 1:1 propensity score-matching was performed to balance baseline characteristics. Patients were matched for age, race, body mass index, and medical comorbidities. Thirty-day outcomes were assessed. Results We identified 1,758 patients with pre-existing hemophilia A diagnosis prior to COVID-19 diagnosis and 5,191,908 comparators. After 1:1 propensity score matching, groups were balanced on demographics and comorbidities. All-cause mortality rates were similar between the two groups (HR 0.805; 95% CI 0.467-1.389). The frequency of severe infection, ICU admission, and composite thrombotic events did not differ between the groups. Patients with hemophilia A were hospitalized more frequently than those without a history of hemophilia A (19.2% vs. 14.4%; p<0.05). Additionally, gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and composite bleeding events occurred more frequently in patients with hemophilia A (3.2% vs. 2.2%; p<0.05 and 4.0% vs. 2.8%; p<0.05, respectively). Conclusions The mortality of individuals with hemophilia A due to COVID-19 is comparable to the general population but with higher risks of hospitalization and 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.

Estimating the risk of thrombotic events in people with congenital hemophilia A using US claims data

Aim: Compare thrombotic risk in people with congenital hemophilia A (PwcHA) to the general non-hemophilia A (HA) population. Patients & methods: US claims databases were analyzed to identify PwcHA. Incidence rates of myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, ischemic stroke, deep vein thrombosis and device-related thrombosis were compared with a matched cohort without HA. Results: Over 3490 PwcHA were identified and 16,380 individuals matched. PwcHA had a similar incidence of myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism compared with the non-HA population, but a slightly higher incidence of ischemic stroke and deep vein thrombosis. The incidence of device-related thrombosis was significantly higher in PwcHA. Conclusion: This analysis suggests that PwcHA are not protected against thrombosis, and provides context to evaluate thrombotic risk of HA treatments.

Current Therapeutic Approach to Acute Myocardial Infarction in Patients with Congenital Hemophilia

Advances in the treatment of hemophilia have made the life expectancy of hemophiliacs similar to that of the general population. Physicians have begun to face age-related diseases not previously encountered in individuals with hemophilia. Treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is particularly challenging because the therapeutic strategies influence both the patient's thrombotic and hemorrhagic risk. As progress has been made in the treatment of AMI over the last decade, we performed an in-depth analysis of the available literature, highlighting the latest advances in the therapy of AMI in hemophiliacs. It is generally accepted that after the optimal substitution therapy has been provided, patients with hemophilia should be treated in the same way as those in the general population. New-generation stents that allow short dual antiplatelet therapy and potent P2Y12 receptor inhibitors have begun to be successfully used. At a time when specific recommendations and relevant data are scarce, our study provides up-to-date information to physicians involved in the treatment of AMI in hemophiliacs.

How to Manage a Patient with Haemophilia and ACS Requiring PCI: A Battle between Bleeding and Thrombosis

We present the case of a 70-year-old man with a history of haemophilia B, who presented to our hospital with a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction. The patient, following consultation by a haemophilia expert, was revascularized with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) under adequate clotting factor administration. Patients with haemophilia and acute coronary syndrome, are susceptible to periprocedural bleeding and thrombotic events during PCI, and therefore a balanced management plan should always be implemented by a multidisciplinary team.

Endothelial Function in Patients With Von Willebrand Disease

In patients with von Willebrand disease (vWD) the interest in age-related comorbidities has grown, because the life expectancy of these patients has increased. The research question of this study was whether patients with vWD show a different endothelial function compared to the general population. A total of 37 patients with type 1 (n = 23), type 2 (n = 10) and type 3 (n = 4) vWD, 14 controls and 38 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) were included in this study. Five markers of endothelial dysfunction (MOED) were determined. Moreover, the endothelial function was examined using the Itamar Endo-PAT. The reactive hyperemia index (RHI) was calculated from the results. The markers soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (p = 0.171), P-Selectin (p = 0.512), interleukin-6 (p = 0.734) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (p = 0.761) showed higher levels in patients with vWD, but were not significantly different compared to the control group. RHI was impaired in CAD-patients (1.855), whereas vWD patients had mean results of 1.870 and controls 2.112 (p = 0.367). In this study, the endothelial function measurements of patients with von Willebrand disease were not significantly different compared to healthy controls.

Mortality in congenital hemophilia A - a systematic literature review

Against a background of a rapidly evolving treatment landscape, a contemporary, evidence-based consolidated understanding of mortality in people with congenital hemophilia A (PwcHA) is lacking. This systematic literature review examines the available data on mortality and causes of death in PwcHA to enable a better understanding of fatalities in PwcHA and evaluate the impact of new treatment paradigms on mortality. A systematic literature review of observational studies was conducted by searching Medline, Embase, and clinical trials registries for articles published from January 2010 to March 2020, using the search terms: hemophilia A (HA), mortality, cause of death. Interventional studies, studies not reporting fatalities, and those reporting only on hemophilia B, acquired HA, or mixed other coagulopathies were excluded. Overall, 7818 unique records were identified and 17 were analyzed. Of these, six reported mortality rates and five reported mortality ratios. Mortality generally decreased over time, despite a spike associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the 1980s and 1990s. Mortality was strongly correlated with age and hemophilia severity. People with hemophilia had a raised mortality risk compared with the general population, particularly in severe hemophilia, and when infected with HIV or HCV. Causes of death varied across populations, countries, and time in 15 identified studies; however, incomplete and heterogeneous reporting limits evidence. Hemorrhage, HIV, HCV, and hepatic disease were the leading causes of death. A unified approach to reporting mortality and cause of death is needed to understand mortality in PwcHA as treatments continue to advance.

Life expectancy and cause of death in individuals with haemophilia A and B in Norway, 1986-2018

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate trends over time in age- and cause of death in males with haemophilia (PWH) in Norway compared with the general male population and investigate its correlates with improvements in haemophilia treatment.

METHODS

Data about age and cause of death in the period of 1986-2018, from two independent, high-quality national registries: the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry (NCoDR) and the patient registry at Centre for Rare Disorders (CRD), Oslo University Hospital.

RESULTS

Life expectancy increased significantly from 1986 to 2018. However, PWH still had a decreased mean age at death of 56.8 years (SD = 24.7) in the NCoDR and 58.6 years (SD = 21.7) in the CRD data, compared with 73.9 years (SD = 16.3) in the general male population. There was a distinct shift in the most frequently reported haemophilia-related causes of death, such as haemorrhage and AIDS, to more age-related causes of death, such as cancer, reflecting an ageing population.

CONCLUSION

Haemophilia treatment has improved significantly in the last three decades. Despite treatment-related improvements, PWH in Norway still have a decreased life expectancy compared with the general male population.

Myocardial functions, blood pressure changes, and arterial stiffness in children with severe hemophilia A

INTRODUCTION

Prolonging the life span of patients with hemophilia has led to the emergence of comorbidities. Cardiovascular diseases are one of the important causes of mortality in patients with hemophilia. This study investigated the myocardial functions, blood pressure changes, arterial stiffness, and risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases in children with hemophilia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In total, 17 children with severe hemophilia A and 23 healthy children were included in the study. Myocardial functions were evaluated using standard and tissue Doppler echocardiography. Peripheral and central blood pressure measurements were performed, and arterial stiffness was evaluated. Carotid intima-media thicknesses (CIMT) serum glucose, insulin, insulin resistance index, and lipoprotein levels were measured.

RESULTS

There were no differences between the two groups in terms of age, and biochemical parameters (P > 0.05). The HDL-C levels in the hemophilia group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Five of the patients had insulin resistance (29.4%), whereas four had low HDL-C levels (23.5%). There were no differences between the groups in terms of the CIMT, peripheral blood pressure, and central systolic blood pressure (P > 0.05). In the hemophilia group, central diastolic blood pressure (cDBP), arterial stiffness, and myocardial performance index were higher (P < 0.05, P = 0.01, P < 0.01), whereas the ejection time was shorter than in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with the control group, there is an onset of arterial stiffness, cDBP values tend to increase, and serum HDL-C levels are lower in the hemophilia group. Moreover, myocardial systolic functions demonstrate a deterioration that becomes more prominent with the increase in arterial stiffness.

Antithrombotic Therapy: Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerosis and Atherothrombosis

Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial vascular disease that develops in the course of a lifetime. Numerous risk factors for atherosclerosis have been identified, mostly inflicting pro-inflammatory effects. Vessel injury, such as occurring during erosion or rupture of atherosclerotic lesions triggers blood coagulation, in attempt to maintain hemostasis (protect against bleeding). However, thrombo-inflammatory mechanisms may drive blood coagulation such that thrombosis develops, the key process underlying myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke (not due to embolization from the heart). In the blood coagulation system, platelets and coagulation proteins are both essential elements. Hyperreactivity of blood coagulation aggravates atherosclerosis in preclinical models. Pharmacologic inhibition of blood coagulation, either with platelet inhibitors, or better documented with anticoagulants, or both, limits the risk of thrombosis and may potentially reverse atherosclerosis burden, although the latter evidence is still based on animal experimentation.Patients at risk of atherothrombotic complications should receive a single antiplatelet agent (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA, or clopidogrel); those who survived an atherothrombotic event will be prescribed temporary dual antiplatelet therapy (ASA plus a P2Y12 inhibitor) in case of myocardial infarction (6-12 months), or stroke (<6 weeks), followed by a single antiplatelet agent indefinitely. High risk for thrombosis patients (such as those with peripheral artery disease) benefit from a combination of an anticoagulant and ASA. The price of gained efficacy is always increased risk of (major) bleeding; while tailoring therapy to individual needs may limit the risks to some extent, new generations of agents that target less critical elements of hemostasis and coagulation mechanisms are needed to maintain efficacy while reducing bleeding risks.

The effects of six-week resistance, aerobic and combined exercises on the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers in overweight patients with moderate haemophilia A: A randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Overweight increases the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and serves as a major risk factor for arthropathy and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This condition is becoming increasingly prevalent among patients with haemophilia (PWH). Different forms of exercise training could favourably modify weight-related complications, cardiovascular risk factors and the inflammation.

AIM

To investigate the effects of resistance, aerobic and combined exercises on the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers in overweight patients with moderate haemophilia A.

METHODS

Forty-eight patients with moderate haemophilia A, aged 35-55 years, and body mass index (BMI) of 25-30 kg/m² were randomly assigned to resistance training (RT, n = 12), aerobic (AT, n = 12), combined training (CT, n = 12) and control (n = 12) groups. The patients participated in 45-minutes exercise sessions three times a week for 6 weeks. Waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), fat mass, fat-free mass, interleukin-10 (IL-10), adiponectin, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured before and after the 6 weeks of training.

RESULTS

There was significant decrease in WC, WHR, BMI and weight in the AT, RT and CT groups as compared to the control group. Total HJHS scores decreased in the AT, RT, CT groups compared to the control groups (P ≤ 0.001). The decrease in hs-CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α in the CT group was significant compared to the control group (P ≤ 0.02). The increase in IL-10 and adiponectin was not significant in the RT, AT and CT groups compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

CT was the most effective training mode for decreasing the pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing anti-inflammatory markers in overweight patients with haemophilia A.

Factor VIII, Protein C and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: The REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke Study (REGARDS)

BACKGROUND

 Haemostatic balance represented by low protein C (PC) and elevated factor VIII (FVIII) has been inconsistently associated with stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.

OBJECTIVE

 This article assesses whether an elevated FVIII and a low PC would increase cardiovascular risk more than either individually.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

 REGARDS recruited 30,239 black and white U.S. participants aged ≥ 45 years between 2003 and 2007. FVIII and PC were measured in a case-cohort sample of 646 stroke, 654 CHD, and a 1,104-person random sample with follow-up for approximately 4.5 years. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using Cox models adjusted for demographic and cardiovascular risk factors.

RESULTS

 Elevated FVIII (per standard deviation [SD] increase) was associated with increased risk of both stroke (HR, 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08, 1.46) and CHD (HR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.29, 1.79), while there was no association of PC per SD decrease. For PC, there was a trend towards increased cardiovascular disease risk in the lowest values (bottom 5%). For stroke, there was no interaction between FVIII and low PC (pinteraction = 0.55). For CHD, the adjusted HR of FVIII per SD increase was significantly greater with PC in the bottom 5% (HR, 3.59; 95% CI, 1.39, 8.29) than PC in the upper 95% (HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.23, 1.71; pinteraction = 0.07).

CONCLUSION

 Higher FVIII was associated with both CHD and stroke risk and the risk potentiated by low PC for CHD. Findings demonstrate that risks for cardiovascular diseases conferred by adverse levels of haemostasis biomarkers may be augmented by levels of other biomarkers.

The coagulation system in atherothrombosis: Implications for new therapeutic strategies

Clinical manifestations of atherosclerotic disease include coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral artery disease (PAD), and stroke. Although the role of platelets is well established, evidence is now accumulating on the contribution of coagulation proteins to the processes of atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis. Coagulation proteins not only play a role in fibrin formation and platelet activation, but also mediate various biological and pathophysiologic processes through activation of protease-activated-receptors (PARs). Thus far, secondary prevention in patients with CAD/PAD has been the domain of antiplatelet therapy, however, residual atherothrombotic risks remain substantial. Therefore, combining antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy has gained more attention. Recently, net clinical benefit of combining aspirin with low-dose rivaroxaban in patients with stable atherosclerotic disease has been demonstrated. In this review, based on the State of the Art lecture "Clotting factors and atherothrombosis" presented at the ISTH Congress 2017, we highlight the role of coagulation proteins in the pathophysiology of atherothrombosis, and specifically focus on therapeutic strategies to decrease atherothrombotic events by optimization of vascular protection.

A case report of acute inferior myocardial infarction in a patient with severe hemophilia A after recombinant factor VIII infusion

RATIONALE

The extent of protective effects of hemophilia against thrombotic events such as myocardial infarction (MI) and other acute coronary syndromes remains to be determined, as major risk factors for cardiovascular disease exist despite factor VIII (FVIII) deficiency. We present a case report of a 41-year-old male with severe hemophilia A and several cardiovascular risk factors.

PATIENT CONCERNS

This morbidly obese patient developed chest pressure, followed by chest pain and difficulty in breathing shortly after receiving on-demand treatment with intravenous recombinant FVIII (rFVIII) (turoctocog alfa) dosed per body weight.

DIAGNOSES

An electrocardiogram revealed a diagnosis of inferior ST-segment elevation MI.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent an urgent coronary angiography using a radial artery approach. During the next 12 months, he received dual antiplatelet treatment, acetylsalicylic acid 100 mg, and clopidogrel 75 mg daily. His treatment for severe hemophilia A was changed to plasma-derived FVIII replacement therapy.

OUTCOMES

During this 12-month period, he experienced several small bleeds in his elbows.

CONCLUSIONS

The temporal relationship between rFVIII infusion and onset of the MI suggests a possible association; however, apart from obesity, the patient also had other major risk factors for arterial thrombosis, such as hypertension and smoking. Furthermore, atherosclerotic disease and underlying atherosclerotic changes could not be excluded with certainty. This case highlights the importance of studies assessing the impact of excess body weight on rFVIII dosing.

Thrombin generation assays for global evaluation of the hemostatic system: perspectives and limitations

The existing techniques to evaluate hemostasis in clinical laboratories are not sensitive enough to detect hypercoagulable and mild hypocoagulable states. Under different experimental conditions, the thrombin generation test may meet these requirements. This technique evaluates the overall balance between procoagulant and anticoagulant forces and has provided new insights in our understanding of the coagulation cascade, as well as of the diagnosis of hypocoagulability and hypercoagulability conditions. Thrombin generated in the thrombin generation test can be quantified as platelet-rich or platelet-poor plasma using the calibrated automated thrombogram method, which monitors the cleavage of a fluorogenic substrate that is simultaneously compared to the known thrombin activity in a non-clotting plasma sample. The calibrated automated thrombogram method is an open system, in which different antibodies, proteins, enzymes and peptides can be introduced to answer specific questions regarding hemostatic processes. The thrombin generation test has great clinical potential, such as in monitoring patients taking anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs, screening for genetic or acquired thrombotic disorders, and evaluating bleeding risk control in patients with hemophilia using bypass agents or replacement therapy. Different to conventional coagulation tests, the thrombin generation test can be used for an overall evaluation of hemostasis, the results of which can then be used to evaluate specific characteristics of hemostasis, such as prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and levels of fibrinogen and other coagulation factors. The introduction of this method will contribute to a better understanding and evaluation of overall hemostatic processes; however, this method still requires standardization and clinical validation.

Management of cardiovascular disease in aging persons with haemophilia

With the aging of the haemophilia population, age related comorbidities become more and more a medical issue. Managing haemophilia patients with cardiovascular disease is a difficult task for many haemophilia-treating physicians. Over the years, insights on prevalence, risk factors and management of cardiovascular disease in haemophilia have improved substantially. It is now recognised that many risk factors, such as hypertension and overweight, occur quite frequently in patients with haemophilia. Several new insights in anticoagulation management of atrial fibrillation and coronary ischaemia in haemophilia have been suggested. This review provides an general overview of the current knowledge of these topics in literature.

Comorbidities and inhibitors in adult patients with haemophilia: issues, costs and management strategies

Along with greater life expectancy in patients with haemophilia has been an increase in associated haemophilia-related (arthropathy, osteoporosis, viral infections) and age-related (cardiovascular disease, renal disease, cancer and others) comorbidities, many of which are only just emerging as the population ages. At present, experience in managing these comorbidities is limited. As the demographic shift continues, haemophilia care centres can expect to encounter more patients with greater levels of complexity. In the absence of evidence-based information to guide the management of adult patients with haemophilia, it is important that the scientific position be reviewed on a regular basis. To this end, several topics relevant to the clinical management of adult patients with haemophilia were examined in a symposium entitled Comorbidities and inhibitors in adult patients with haemophilia: issues, costs and management strategies held on 11 February 2015 in Helsinki, Finland, in conjunction with the 8th Annual Congress of the European Association for Haemophilia and Allied Disorders. This article is a summary of that event.

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated With Hypertension in Hemophilia: Cross-Sectional Analysis of a National Discharge Register

Introduction:

Improved life expectancy of persons with hemophilia (PWHs) has led to a greater interest in the role of age-related chronic diseases, such as hypertension, in this cohort. Several observational studies have reported an increased prevalence of hypertension in PWHs; however, this has not been assessed using a large, national database in the United States.

Aims:

We hypothesized the prevalence of hypertension is increased in PWHs and compared the prevalence of hypertension and associated risk factors among patients with and without hemophilia.

Methods:

A cross-sectional analysis was performed using discharge data among adult males from the National Inpatient Sample over the 3-year period, 2009 to 2011. Hypertension was compared across groups using Rao-Scott χ2 test. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of hypertension in patients with hemophilia after adjustment for hypertension-associated risk factors.

Results:

The prevalence of hypertension in patients with hemophilia was less than the prevalence of hypertension in patients without hemophilia (39.5% vs 56.3%, P < .001). Hemophilia was associated with a decreased odds of hypertension after adjusting for associated risk factors (odds ratio: 0.87; 95% confidence interval: 0.81-0.94).

Conclusion:

In contrast to the findings of several other recent studies, we report a decreased prevalence of hypertension in PWHs. The discrepancy among the reported prevalence of hypertension in our study and several others highlights the potential biases inherent to retrospective and cross-sectional studies and underscores the need for well-designed prospective studies to determine the true incidence of hypertension in PWHs, which may lie somewhere in between our findings and the findings of others.

Factor XI Deficiency Protects Against Atherogenesis in Apolipoprotein E/Factor XI Double Knockout Mice

OBJECTIVE

Atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis are still major causes of mortality in the Western world, even after the widespread use of cholesterol-lowering medications. Recently, an association between local thrombin generation and atherosclerotic burden has been reported. Here, we studied the role of factor XI (FXI) deficiency in the process of atherosclerosis in mice.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Apolipoprotein E/FXI double knockout mice, created for the first time in our laboratory. There was no difference in cholesterol levels or lipoprotein profiles between apolipoprotein E knockout and double knockout mice. Nevertheless, in 24-week-old double knockout mice, the atherosclerotic lesion area in the aortic sinus was reduced by 32% (P=0.004) in comparison with apolipoprotein E knockout mice. In 42-week-old double knockout mice, FXI deficiency inhibited atherosclerosis progression significantly in the aortic sinus (25% reduction, P=0.024) and in the aortic arch (49% reduction, P=0.028), with a prominent reduction of macrophage infiltration in the atherosclerotic lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

FXI deprivation was shown to slow down atherogenesis in mice. The results suggest that the development of atherosclerosis can be prevented by targeting FXI.

Managing older patients with hemophilia

With access to safe factor products, the life expectancy of persons with hemophilia (PWHs) has increased almost 10-fold over the past 7 decades. Unfortunately, hand in hand with this success comes the burden of aging. As PWHs age, they are subject to develop many of the same risk factors as the general population, including increasing rates of hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. Such comorbidities predispose them to chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease, although how their coagulopathy affects the expression of these conditions remains unclear. The older hemophilia population faces additional challenges, such as chronic joint arthropathy, which provokes falls and fractures, and complications related to HIV and hepatitis C infections, which greatly affect the incidence of cancer and liver disease. In light of the paucity of evidence-based guidelines to direct therapy, a new challenge has arisen for hematologists to optimally manage these complex age-related issues. In general, elderly PWHs should be treated similarly to their peers without hemophilia, with the addition of factor replacement therapy as appropriate. Primary prevention of risk factors should be emphasized, and close coordination between specialties is essential. This review will focus on common complications affecting the older hemophilia population, including cardiovascular disease, malignancy, liver disease, renal insufficiency, and joint disease.