title: Evolution of the Treatments for Hemophilia.
abstract: Although hemophilia has been recognized for centuries as an inherited disorder primarily affecting males, advances in treatments have been very recent. Initial availability of plasma-derived therapies offered significant improvements in morbidity and mortality, but the transmission of viruses quickly negated the benefit of early factor replacement products. After developing successful viral inactivation methods and subsequently developing recombinant technology, the manufacturing of factor concentrates became much safer. Access to safer factor products allowed for a shift from the treatment of bleeds to prevention, called prophylaxis. Although dosing and interval vary, prevention of joint disease is now a realistic goal. Unfortunately, despite advances in the safety of therapy, some patients are unable to use factor replacement products because they develop antibodies, known as inhibitors. Eradication of inhibitors is possible in the majority of patients, but it is expensive and takes time. Management of acute bleeding may require significantly higher doses of factor replacement or the use of a bypassing agent. As a result, patients with inhibitors are at increased risk for sequelae, including joint disease, life-threatening bleeding, infectious complications with central vascular access devices, and thrombotic complications.
authors.affiliation: Hemostasis and Thrombosis Program, Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC. Christine J. Guelcher, MS, APRN, PPCNP-BC, is a program coordinator in the hemostasis and thrombosis program at the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders of the Children's National Health System in Washington, DC. She currently serves as secretary on the Board of the American Thrombosis and Hemostasis Network (ATHN). She serves as the nurse liaison and ad hoc member on the Board of the Thrombosis and Hemostasis Societies of North America (THSNA).
authors.forename: Christine J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Guelcher
mesh_terms: D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000379:methods; D005164:Factor IX / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005169:Factor VIII / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006467:Hemophilia A / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000266:history* / Q000276:immunology; D002836:Hemophilia B / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000266:history* / Q000276:immunology; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D005169:Factor VIII; D005164:Factor IX