Expert Answers to Common Questions for the Management of Hemophilia A
b'Host: Eric H. Kraut, MD
\\n\\n\\n \\n
Hemophilia A is a rare bleeding disorder caused by deficiency of clotting factor VIII. The current standard of care for patients with severe hemophilia A centers on replacement therapy with factor VIII concentrate, either on demand when bleeding occurs or prophylactically (replacement therapy). Potential complications from replacement therapy include the development of inhibitory antibodies that attack the clotting factor in approximately one-fourth of patients, viral infections from human clotting factors, and bleeding in joints and muscles resulting from treatment delays. According to treatment guidelines from the Medical and Scientific Advisory Council (MASAC), \\u201cInhibitor development is the most severe complication of treatment for patients with inherited hemophilia A.\\u201d In addition, the high cost and frequency of infusing factor VIII concentrates can increase the potential for side effects, thereby negatively affecting patient quality of life.
Fortunately, several unique agents have been newly approved or are currently under development. These agents promise to reduce morbidity and improve quality of life for patients. Clinicians will be challenged to integrate these new agents into their clinical practices.
AXIS routinely collects and analyzes data gathered from participants in our live grand rounds programs. These questions provide incredible insight regarding the persistent challenges that clinicians face when \\u2026'