Low bone mass and hypovitaminosis D in haemophilia: A single-centre study in patients with severe and moderate haemophilia A and B

The Profile of Markers of Bone Turnover, Inflammation and Extracellular Neutrophil Traps on Bone Mass in Haemophilia and the Development of Haemophilic Arthropathy

Background: The aim of the study is to evaluate selected biomarkers of bone turnover, inflammation, neutrophil trap and factors predisposing haemophiliacs to bone loss, and to analyse their relationship with clinical features, treatment and complications. Methods: The levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6); citrullinated histone (CH3); osteocalcin (BGLAP); bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP); N-terminal procollagen type I propeptide (P1NP); and C-terminal collagen type I telopeptide (C1CP) were examined in 60 patients with haemophilia. Results: The cut-off value for BGLAP is 26.41 ng/mL, and 929.7 pg/mL for CH3. There is a statistically significant difference between BGLAP, BALP, C1CP and CH3 concentrations, depending on the prophylaxis used. The median concentration of BGLAP in patients taking the factor on demand is 28.0 ng/mL, BALP 322.5 U/L, C1CP 191.2 ng/mL and CH3 1114.4 pg/mL. In patients taking recombinant coagulation factor VIII/IX as prophylaxis of bleeding, the median BGLAP concentrations are 35.9 ng/mL, BALP 280.9 U/L, C1CP 161.6 ng/mL and CH3 952.5 pg/mL. BGLAP and BALP concentrations are dependent on the development of haemophilic arthropathic. Conclusions: The concentrations of selected markers of bone turnover and NETs may help to identify patients at particular risk of developing haemophilic arthropathy and bone metabolic turnover abnormalities.

Osteoporosis in hemophilia: what is its importance in clinical practice?

INTRODUCTION

The relationship between severe hemophilia and osteoporosis has been well established in the literature. However, although the importance of its prevention in order to reduce the risk of bone fractures has been reported, the importance of its treatment in clinical practice has not been well analyzed.

AREAS COVERED

In this paper a review of the available clinical and experimental information on osteoporosis in hemophilia has been performed, to better understand the relationship between hemophilia and osteoporosis. Prevention of osteoporosis in hemophilia should include primary hematological prophylaxis; a diet appropriate in calcium and vitamin D; a regular exercise program that includes aerobics, strength training and balance and flexibility activities; restriction of tobacco and alcohol use; and limitation of the duration of immobilization.

EXPERT OPINION

Prevention of osteoporosis in hemophilic patients is paramount. However, it is noteworthy that there is only one publication on the treatment of osteoporosis in patients with hemophilia. Until further research is done on this topic, the existing recommendations for non-hemophilic patients should be followed. They include the use of antiresorptives (estrogens, selective estrogen receptor modulators, bisphosphonates, denosumab) and anabolic agents (teriparatide, abaloparatide, romosozumab). Further studies on the management of osteoporosis in patients with hemophilia are required.

Low Bone Mineral Density in Hemophiliacs

Objective

To review the current knowledge on bone health in patients with hemophilia A and the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms.

Data Sources

Original research articles, meta-analyses, and scientific reviews.

Data Synthesis

Already in childhood, patients with hemophilia A are prone to low bone mineral density, leading to osteopenia and/or osteoporosis. Initially associated with the life style of hemophilia, today we are faced with accumulating evidence that coagulation factor VIII is involved directly or indirectly in bone physiology.

Conclusion

Understanding the role of factor VIII and the mechanisms of decreased bone mineral density in hemophilia A is critically important, especially as non-factor replacement therapies are available, and treatment decisions potentially impact bone health.

The Bone Microarchitecture Deficit in Patients with Hemophilia Is Influenced by Arthropathy, Hepatitis C Infection, and Physical Activity

Low bone mineral density (BMD) is common in patients with hemophilia (PWHs). The aim of the present study was to describe BMD and microarchitecture in PWHs in Northern Germany and to determine factors contributing to possible skeletal alterations. Demographic characteristics, BMD and microarchitecture, bone metabolism markers, and orthopaedic joint score (OJS) were assessed during routine check-ups. Areal BMD was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at the hip and lumbar spine. Volumetric BMD and microarchitecture were quantified by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography at the distal radius and tibia. Eighty male PWHs (median age, 33 years; range, 18-77) were retrospectively analyzed, of whom 67 (84.0%) and 13 (16.0%) had hemophilia A and B, respectively. Fifty-four (68.0%), six (7.0%), and 20 (25.0%) patients had severe, moderate, or mild hemophilia, and 35 (44.0%) were hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive. DXA analysis revealed low BMD (Z-score ≤ - 2.0) in 27.5% of PWHs, and higher bone turnover values were associated with lower BMD. Bone microarchitecture was dominated by cortical deficits at the radius and trabecular deficits at the tibia. Cortical deficits at the radius were influenced by lower body mass index, low-grade inflammation, and treatment regimen (higher cortical thickness on primary prophylaxis). Trabecular alterations at the tibia were mainly associated with OJS and HCV status. A positive effect of self-reported sportive activity on BMD could be shown. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that the site-specific microarchitectural deficit observed in PWHs is primarily negatively influenced by poor joint status, inflammation, HCV infection, and high bone turnover.