1
|
Hermans C, Pierce GF. Ultra-Long factor VIII: a major step forward toward a hemophilia-free mind. J Thromb Haemost 2024; 22:1844-1846. [PMID: 38679336 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtha.2024.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
A remarkable step forward in the treatment of hemophilia A has recently been achieved with the development of an Ultra-Long modified factor (F)VIII. Leveraging expertise gained with fusion to immunoglobulin Fc fragments, disconnecting FVIII from endogenous von Willebrand factor (via a D'-D3 fragment), and benefiting from the pharmacokinetic prolongation provided by the addition of hydrophilic polypeptides, efanesoctocog alfa opens a new era in the treatment of hemophilia A. The term Ultra-Long FVIII has been proposed to designate it and differentiate it from extended half-life FVIII. The level of FVIII correction within the normal range for several days provided by this molecule should allow an increasing number of patients to free themselves from the physical and psychological constraints of hemophilia A. Certainly, the burden of weekly intravenous infusions persists but is compensated by a correction of hemostasis whose amplitude and duration remain unmatched by other therapeutic options currently available.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Hermans
- Division of Haematology, Haemostasis and Thrombosis Unit, Saint-Luc University Hospital, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium; World Federation of Hemophilia, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Glenn F Pierce
- World Federation of Hemophilia, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Benemei S, Mattia C, Di Minno MND. The good, the bad and the ugly of pain in haemophilia: Recent evidence on the epidemiology, molecular mechanisms and knowledge gaps preventing optimal treatment. Haemophilia 2024; 30:589-597. [PMID: 38545868 DOI: 10.1111/hae.15002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Haemophilia is an inherited, X-linked blood clotting disorder caused by the deficiency of coagulation factors VIII (FVIII, haemophilia A) or IX (FIX, haemophilia B). Spontaneous bleeds are common in severe forms of haemophilia and can also occur in moderate and mild haemophilia. Severe or repeated bleeding at a joint can evolve into chronic haemophilic arthropathy, with functional damage of the joint, disability, and intense chronic articular pain. Nonetheless, acute and chronic pain may emerge due to secondary conditions related to bleedings. AIM This narrative review aims to critically discuss the most recent evidence about pain in haemophilia to give healthcare professionals a clear picture of current knowledge hence favouring the optimisation of clinical management of pain. METHODS Extensive literature search with the terms 'hemophilia' AND 'pain', focusing on the time window 2021-2023. RESULTS Acute and chronic pain is a critical aspect of haemophilia at all ages. It should be considered a multifaceted phenomenon, with a positive role as an early emergency signal of a clinical event (haemarthrosis), and numerous detrimental aspects linked to its burden that heavily affects the health-related quality of life, with psychological and social consequences. CONCLUSION Despite its prevalence and frequency in people with haemophilia, pain is often underestimated by healthcare professionals, leading to insufficient and inadequate treatment, also due to uncertainty linked to the presence of the coagulation disorder or arthritic flares.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Consalvo Mattia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Unit of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Therapy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, 'ICOT-Polo Pontino, Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Barg AA, Livnat T, Kenet G. Factor XI deficiency: phenotypic age-related considerations and clinical approach towards bleeding risk assessment. Blood 2024; 143:1455-1464. [PMID: 38194679 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023020721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Factor XI (FXI) deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder that presents complex challenges in patient assessment and bleeding risk management. Despite generally causing mild to moderate bleeding symptoms, clinical manifestations can vary, and bleeding tendency does not always correlate with FXI plasma levels or genotype. Our manuscript delves into the age-related nuances of FXI deficiency across an individual's lifespan. We emphasize issues faced by specific groups, including neonates and females of reproductive age experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding and postpartum hemorrhage. Older patients present unique challenges and concerns related to the management of bleeding as well as thrombotic complications. The current assortment of diagnostic laboratory assays shows limited success in predicting bleeding risk in the perisurgical setting of patients with FXI deficiency. This review explores the intricate interplay between individual bleeding profiles, surgical sites, and FXI activity levels. We also evaluate the accuracy of existing laboratory assays in predicting bleeding and discuss the potential role of investigational global assays in perioperative assessment. Furthermore, we outline our suggested diagnostic approach to refine treatment strategies and decision making. Available treatment options are presented, including antifibrinolytics, replacement products, and recombinant activated FVII. Finally, we discuss promising nonreplacement therapies for the treatment of rare bleeding disorders that can potentially address the challenges faced when managing FXI deficiency-related bleeding complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Assaf Arie Barg
- National Hemophilia Center, Coagulation Unit and Amalia Biron Research Institution of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel; and Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tami Livnat
- National Hemophilia Center, Coagulation Unit and Amalia Biron Research Institution of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel; and Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Gili Kenet
- National Hemophilia Center, Coagulation Unit and Amalia Biron Research Institution of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel; and Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Castaman G, Jimenez-Yuste V, Gouw S, D'Oiron R. Outcomes and outcome measures. Haemophilia 2024; 30 Suppl 3:112-119. [PMID: 38504408 DOI: 10.1111/hae.14990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Advances in haemophilia treatment have resulted in a near-normal life expectancy, lower burden of bleeding and treatment, and improved quality of life in high-income countries. Bleeding rate is approaching zero and novel parameters should be evaluated to assess the efficacy of treatment not only from the clinical point of view by using new methodologies (e.g. joint health assessment), but also from the patient's perspective (e.g. pain, quality of life, treatment satisfaction). METHODS AND RESULTS This approach should be aimed at combining objective clinical methodologies and patient-reported outcomes (PROs). However, some instruments used for assessing PROs are still suboptimal and not properly validated. Recent evidence suggests that these tools can take advantage from a more personalized designed approach and could be effectively improved and serve to facilitate the patient's self-evaluation. For other congenital bleeding disorders (BDs), a set of patient-relevant outcomes has been also defined that overlap substantially those of haemophilia, including bleeding, side effects and complications, and PROs, such as pain, physical functioning, impact on daily life including school and work and mental health. There is a growing focus on addressing women-specific outcomes in BDs, reflecting an increased awareness of the unique challenges faced by women in this context. However, the development of tailored tools is imperative to further advance the progress in managing women with BDs, ensuring more accurate monitoring and personalized care. CONCLUSIONS How incorporating these outcome measures in the process of approval of novel treatments for these disorders by regulatory authorities remains to be established.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giancarlo Castaman
- Center for Bleeding Disorders and Coagulation, Department of Oncology, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Samanta Gouw
- Department of Paediatric Haematology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roseline D'Oiron
- Bicêtre Hospital AP-HP, University of Paris-Saclay and UMR_S1176 INSERM, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shen MC, Chou SC, Chiou SS, Lin PC, Chen YC, Lin HY, Lee YC, Huang CE, Weng TF, Huang TH, Chung CY, Chen JS, Chen SH, Cheng SN, Hsiao CC, Huang YM, Chen SH, Yu YB, Lin SC, Lin CY, Peng CT, Wang JD. Efficacy, safety and cost of emicizumab prophylaxis in haemophilia A patients with inhibitors: A nationwide observational study in Taiwan. Haemophilia 2023; 29:1499-1508. [PMID: 37819166 DOI: 10.1111/hae.14880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Emicizumab mimicking the cofactor function of activated factor VIII (FVIII) restores haemostasis. METHODS This nationwide observational study aimed to retrospectively investigate efficacy, safety, and cost in 1 year before and up to 3 years after emicizumab prophylaxis for haemophilia A (HA) patients with FVIII inhibitors. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION A total of 39 severe HA patients with a median age of 23.0 years were enrolled. The median historical peak FVIII inhibitor titre was 174.2 BU/mL with an interquartile range of 56.5-578.8 BU/mL. The median annualized bleeding rate reduced from 24 to 0 events in the first year after emicizumab prophylaxis (p < .01) and sustained in the second and third years. The median annualized joint bleeding rate reduced to 0 and maintained up to 3 years (p < .01). Twenty-seven patients (69.2%) had target joints before emicizumab prophylaxis and only seven patients (17.9%) of them had target joints after prophylaxis. Medical costs, including cost of haemostatic therapy, frequency of outpatient department visits, emergency room visits and hospital admission, were significantly reduced after emicizumab prophylaxis (p < .01). FVIII inhibitor titre decreased after emicizumab prophylaxis. Overall, three (7.7%) patients experienced 202 grade 1 drug-related adverse events after emicizumab prophylaxis. No serious adverse events were reported during emicizumab prophylaxis period. The adherence to emicizumab prophylaxis was 100% up to 3 years. CONCLUSIONS HA patients with FVIII inhibitors treated with emicizumab prophylaxis resulted in a significant reduction in treated bleeds and associated costs. No new safety events were observed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Ching Shen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Chieh Chou
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shyh-Shin Chiou
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chin Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yeu-Chin Chen
- Hemophilia Care and Research Center, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsuan-Yu Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Yang-Cheng Lee
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Departments of Internal Medicine, Tainan Municipal Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Cih-En Huang
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Chiayi, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Te-Fu Weng
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Huan Huang
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Hsinchu Mackay Memorial Hospital, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yuan Chung
- Department of Medical Oncology, China Medical University Hsinchu Hospital, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Jiann-Shiuh Chen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Huey Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Shuang Ho Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Nan Cheng
- Haemophilia Care and Research Center, Tri-Service General Hospital, School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Paediatrics, Tung's Taichung Metrohabor Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Cheng Hsiao
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Min Huang
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hemophilia and Thrombosis Treatment Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hsiang Chen
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Bin Yu
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Far-East Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chiang Lin
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Far-East Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Yeh Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Tien Peng
- Division of Pediatric Haematology and Oncology, China Medical University Children's Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jiaan-Der Wang
- Center for Rare Disease and Hemophilia, Department of Pediatrics, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Enterprise Information, Tunghai University, Taichung City, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|