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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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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
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Most bleeding events in individuals with hemophilia occur within the ankle, knee, and elbow joints. Should the bleeding persist, the synovial membrane starts to hypertrophy and a vicious cycle of chronic hemophilic synovitis (CHS) occurs, leading to joint destruction. AREAS COVERED This article covers the prompt diagnosis of CHS by point-of-care ultrasonography (POC-US) and its treatment by means of several types of synovectomy. EXPERT OPINION It is essential to prevent, detect and treat hemophilic synovitis, because it indicates that the joint has bled and is at risk of bleeding further. Prophylaxis with standard half life (SHL) factor VIII (FVIII) concentrate is the standard of care for individuals with severe hemophilia A and can also be considered for selected patients with moderate disease. Several years of real-world experience with extended half life (EHL) FVIII, emicizumab, and other drugs in development will be needed to ascertain their final effect on bleeding and its complications. We must look for synovitis in individuals declaring joint pain and in asymptomatic patients, and POC-US is the most reasonable imaging instrument with which to carry out periodic joint screening. Radiosynovectomy, chemical synovectomy, and arthroscopic synovectomy markedly reduce bleeding events.
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Mancuso ME, Holstein K, O'Donnell JS, Lobet S, Klamroth R. Synovitis and joint health in patients with haemophilia: Statements from a European e-Delphi consensus study. Haemophilia 2023; 29:619-628. [PMID: 36622258 DOI: 10.1111/hae.14734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Synovitis, a common feature in haemophilia, is triggered by the presence of blood in joints, and represents the first step towards the development of chronic arthropathy. Synovitis may be detected early by means of ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging scan; clinical joint scores are less sensitive in this setting. Regular long-term prophylaxis with clotting factor concentrates, as primary prophylaxis and tailored to individual needs, has high efficacy in preventing synovitis. In general, higher factor levels lower bleeding risk, but no direct correlation between factor levels and synovitis incidence has been demonstrated. AIM This study aimed to develop an expert consensus relating to the definition, pathophysiology, diagnosis, prevention, follow-up and treatment of synovitis, recognising its relevance for joint health and taking into account existing knowledge gaps. METHODS A Delphi consensus study was designed and performed. An expert group prepared 22 statements based on existing literature; a wider expert panel subsequently voted on these. RESULTS Retention of panellists was high. Four statements required amending and consensus on all statements was achieved after three rounds of voting. CONCLUSION This e-Delphi consensus study addressed the importance of synovitis in joint health of people with haemophilia and highlighted knowledge gaps in this field. Studies on the natural course of synovitis are lacking and the biological mechanisms underlying this process are not yet fully elucidated. While basic and clinical research proceeds in this field, expert consensus can help guide clinicians in their routine clinical practice, and Delphi methodology is often used to produce best-practice guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elisa Mancuso
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Centre for Thrombosis and Haemorrhagic Diseases, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Katharina Holstein
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - James S O'Donnell
- National Coagulation Centre, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, RCSI, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sébastien Lobet
- Hematology department, Saint-Luc University Clinics, Avenue Hippocrate 10, Brussels, Belgium.,Neuromusculoskeletal Lab (NMSK), Institute for Experimental and Clinical, Catholic University of Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Belgium.,Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service, Saint-Luc University Clinics, Avenue Hippocrate 10, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robert Klamroth
- Vivantes Hospital, Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany.,Institute of Experimental Haematology and Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Centre for Thrombosis and Haemorrhagic Diseases, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
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Di Minno G, Castaman G, De Cristofaro R, Brunetti-Pierri N, Pastore L, Castaldo G, Trama U, Di Minno M. Progress, and prospects in the therapeutic armamentarium of persons with congenital hemophilia. Defining the place for liver-directed gene therapy. Blood Rev 2023; 58:101011. [PMID: 36031462 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2022.101011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In persons with congenital severe hemophilia A (HA) living in high-income countries, twice weekly intravenous infusions of extended half-life (EHL) factor VIII (FVIII) products, or weekly/biweekly/monthly subcutaneous injections of emicizumab are the gold standard home treatments to grant days without hurdles and limitations. Once weekly/twice monthly infusions of EHL Factor IX (FIX) products achieve the same target in severe hemophilia B (HB). Gene therapy, which is likely to be licensed for clinical use within 1-2 years, embodies a shift beyond these standards. At an individual patient level, a single functional gene transfer leads to a > 10-yr almost full correction of the hemostatic defect in HB and to a sustained (3-6-yrs) expression of FVIII sufficient to discontinue exogenous clotting factor administrations. At the doses employed, the limited liver toxicity of systemically infused recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors is documented by long-term (12-15 yrs) follow-ups, and pre-existing high-titer neutralizing antibodies to the AAV5 vector are no longer an exclusion criterion for effective transgene expression with this vector. A safe durable treatment that converts a challenging illness to a phenotypically curable disease, allows persons to feel virtually free from the fears and the obligations of hemophilia for years/decades. Along with patient organizations and health care professionals, communicating to government authorities and reimbursement agencies the liberating potential of this substantial innovation, and disseminating across the Centers updated information on benefits and risks of this strategy, will align expectations of different stakeholders and establish the notion of a potentially lifelong cure of hemophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Di Minno
- Hub Center for Hemorrhagic and Thrombotic Disorders, Dep. of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
| | - Giancarlo Castaman
- Center for Bleeding Disorders and Coagulation, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.
| | - Raimondo De Cristofaro
- Center for Hemorrhagic and Thrombotic Diseases, Foundation University Hospital A. Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
| | - Nicola Brunetti-Pierri
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy; Dept of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Italy.
| | - Lucio Pastore
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, and Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Castaldo
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, and Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Ugo Trama
- Coordination of the Regional Health System, General Directorate for Health Protection, Naples, Italy.
| | - Matteo Di Minno
- Hub Center for Hemorrhagic and Thrombotic Disorders, Dep. of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
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Minno MNDD, Martinoli C, Pasta G, la Corte-Rodriguez HD, Samy I, Stephensen D, Timmer MA, Winburn I. How to assess, detect, and manage joint involvement in the era of transformational therapies: Role of point-of-care ultrasound. Haemophilia 2023; 29:1-10. [PMID: 36163646 DOI: 10.1111/hae.14657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with haemophilia experience recurring hemarthroses, mainly involving knees, elbows and ankles, which lead to haemophilic arthropathy, the major chronic complication of haemophilia. With new approaches to haemophilia treatment leading to fewer joint bleeds and, in some cases, no bleeding events, assessing whether current outcome assessment tools provide adequate sensitivity and specificity for management and care of patients with haemophilia is needed. METHODS An overview of current imaging tools for monitoring joint health, novel osteochondral damage and synovial proliferation biomarkers, and the relationship between assessments for functionality and imaging modalities is provided. Usefulness and sensitivity of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to complement other assessments and use of ultrasound to monitor haemophilic arthropathy are also examined. RESULTS This review provides rationale for haemophilia teams to move beyond traditional outcomes in joint imaging, as well as guidance and evidence on assessment of joint health for potential new treatment modalities, such as gene therapy. The role of POCUS in the existing paradigm for haemophilia care and management along with the use of ultrasound as a complement to other outcome assessment tools are also discussed. Finally, the clinical effects of subclinical bleeding on joint function are described, to motivate screening for synovial proliferation. CONCLUSION POCUS can facilitate the early detection of joint damage and can monitor disease progression while providing insights into the efficacy of treatment regimens, and should be considered as an essential assessment tool for managing the care of patients with haemophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlo Martinoli
- Department of Health Science - DISSAL, University of Genoa and IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | | | - David Stephensen
- Kent Haemophilia & Thrombosis Centre, Canterbury, United Kingdom and Royal London Hospital, London, UK
| | - Merel A Timmer
- Van Creveldkliniek, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Gallastegui N, Steiner BUK, Aguero P, Bailey C, Kruse-Jarres R, Quon DV, Hanacek C, Volland LM, Barnes RFW, von Drygalski A. The role of point-of-Care Musculoskeletal Ultrasound for Routine Joint evaluation and management in the Hemophilia Clinic - A Real World Experience. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2022; 23:1111. [PMID: 36539778 PMCID: PMC9768915 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-022-06042-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS) for point-of-care (POC) evaluation of hemophilic arthropathy is growing rapidly. However, the extent to which MSKUS influences clinical treatment decisions is unknown. METHODS We conducted a three-year, prospective, multi-center study at three hemophilia treatment centers in the United States to evaluate the utilization of POC-MSKUS for routine clinical decision-making in adult persons with hemophilic arthropathy. Bilateral elbows, knees and ankles were assessed clinically [Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS)] and with POC-MSKUS by the Joint TissueActivity and Damage Exam (JADE) protocol at baseline and approximately annually for two additional times. Treatment decisions, including physical therapy (PT) and "medical" (joint injections/aspirations, referrals to orthopedics, changes/adjustments of hemostatic plans, and use of oral anti-inflammatory medications) were recorded in relation to POC-MSKUS. RESULTS Forty-four persons [median age 37 years (IQR 29, 51)], mostly with severe Hemophilia A on clotting factor prophylaxis, completed 129 visits, yielding 792 joint exams by POC-MSKUS and HJHS [median at baseline 27 (IQR 18, 42)] over a median follow up of 584 days (range: 363 to 1072). Among 157 management decisions, 70% were related to PT plans (n = 110) and 30% were "medical". Point-of-care MSKUS influenced 47/110 (43%) PT plans, mostly informing treatment of specific arthropathic joints (45/47 plans) in patients with high HJHS. Physical therapy plans influenced by POC-MSKUS directed more manual therapy/therapeutic exercises, while plans based on physical exam were focused more on global exercises and wellness. Treatment decisions were mostly based on the identification of specific musculoskeletal abnormalities visualized by POC-MSKUS. Of note 20/47 (43%) POC-MSKUS plans included de-escalation strategies, thereby reducing exercise intensity, mostly for joint instability and subclinical hemarthroses. Point-of-care MSKUS also informed 68% (32/47) of "medical" decisions, surprisingly mostly for injections/aspirations and referrals to orthopedics, and not for adjustments of hemostatic treatment. Although not formally studied, ultrasound images were used frequently for patient education. CONCLUSION Routine joint evaluations with POC-MSKUS resulted in few changes regarding medical management decisions but had a profound effect on the formulation of PT plans. Based on these findings, new studies are essential to determine the benefit of MSKUS-informed management plans on joint health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Gallastegui
- grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California San Diego, CA San Diego, USA ,grid.261331.40000 0001 2285 7943Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University, OH Columbus, USA
| | - BUK Steiner
- Washington Center for Bleeding Disorders, WA Seattle, USA
| | - P Aguero
- grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California San Diego, CA San Diego, USA
| | - C Bailey
- grid.489149.90000 0004 5900 1331The Orthopaedic Hemophilia Treatment Center, Orthopaedic Institute for Children, Los Angeles California, USA
| | - R Kruse-Jarres
- Washington Center for Bleeding Disorders, WA Seattle, USA
| | - DV Quon
- grid.489149.90000 0004 5900 1331The Orthopaedic Hemophilia Treatment Center, Orthopaedic Institute for Children, Los Angeles California, USA
| | - C Hanacek
- grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California San Diego, CA San Diego, USA ,Department of General Medical Education, KPC Health. Hemet, CA, USA 1810 Cannon Drive, Suite 1150E, OH Columbus, USA
| | - LM Volland
- grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California San Diego, CA San Diego, USA ,grid.422264.40000 0004 0542 3790National Hemophilia Foundation, NYC NY, USA
| | - RFW Barnes
- grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California San Diego, CA San Diego, USA
| | - A von Drygalski
- grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California San Diego, CA San Diego, USA
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Scaturro D, Vitagliani F, Tomasello S, Mangano MS, Signa G, Letizia Mauro G. Postural Assessment Systems in the Prevention of Haemophilic Arthropathy: A Narrative Review. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2022; 7:jfmk7030068. [PMID: 36135426 PMCID: PMC9504687 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk7030068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This narrative review aims to give an overview of some postural evaluation systems currently used in patients with haemophilia. Among them, first, we analyse the HJHS scale, recognized as a specific evaluation tool for haemophilic arthropathy. Second, we focus on other systems usually used in non-haemophilic patients that have also shown good applicability in this patient category, such as gait analysis, stabilometry, and baropodometric examination. This review underlines the use these tools could have in clinical practice to identify the early postural alterations in patients with haemophilia and set up personalised rehabilitation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalila Scaturro
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3206945411
| | - Fabio Vitagliani
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | - Sofia Tomasello
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Signa
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | - Giulia Letizia Mauro
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
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McGuinn C. A roadmap for better management for synovitis in haemophilia. Br J Haematol 2021; 196:812-813. [PMID: 34923629 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.17967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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