Treatment related complications in Sudanese haemophilic patients

Abstract

Because of the increased use of the various types of factor replacement therapy in haemophilic patients, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of some treatment related complications (development of factor inhibitors, HIV, HBV and HCV infection), and the possible underlying factors that increase the risk of their occurrence This study was a descriptive cross-sectional hospital based study carried out in the period between the 25th of August and 25th of December 2003 in which 59 haemophilic patients were included. Their ages ranged between 1-42 years, 39% of them were children. 91% of them were suffering from haemophilia A, 6.8% were cases of haemophilia B and only one patient was a case of haemophilia C. 52% had developed hypersensitivity reaction to one or more forms of treatment. The majority showing hypersensitivity to fresh frozen plasma. The prevalence of development of factor inhibitors was found to be 29% all of them being factor VIII inhibitors. The prevalence of HIV was 3%, that of HBV was also 3% while HCV infection occurred in 11%. A conclusion was drawn that the prevalence of inhibitors was high, children and young adults were affected more, and receiving factor concentrate treatment was a frequent associated factor. On the other hand 12 viral transmission had low prevalence, affected adults more than children and is slightly more associated with frequent use of fresh frozen plasma treatment. Establishment of a routine screening programme for detection of these complications, establishment of vaccination programme and proper screening of blood products were recommended.