Management of comorbidities in haemophilia

With the introduction of clotting factor concentrates in the early 1970s, significant improvements in quality of life and life expectancy of persons with haemophilia (PWH) were realized. Unfortunately, as a result of transmission of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) by contaminated concentrates in the 1980s, many of these gains were lost. Now with four decades of PWH unexposed to contaminated factor products and current treatments capable of suppressing and eliminating HIV and HCV, respectively, the survival rate is once again increasing. In addition to the usual comorbidities associated with advanced age in the general population, several specific issues occur in patients with bleeding disorders. This manuscript explores the incidence and management of the comorbidities of the ageing PWH with a focus on cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

Automated summary

The introduction of clotting factor concentrates in the early 1970s led to significant improvements in the quality of life and life expectancy of persons with haemophilia (PWH). Unfortunately, the transmission of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the 1980s resulted in the loss of these gains. With four decades of PWH unexposed to contaminated factor products and current treatments capable of suppressing and eliminating HIV and HCV, the survival rate is once again increasing, but elderly PWH still face specific comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.