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Considerations in individualizing prophylaxis in patients with haemophilia A
Author(s) -
Valentino L. A.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
haemophilia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.213
H-Index - 92
eISSN - 1365-2516
pISSN - 1351-8216
DOI - 10.1111/hae.12438
Subject(s) - medicine , haemophilia , regimen , intensive care medicine , prophylactic treatment , haemophilia a , medline , pediatrics , surgery , political science , law
Summary Prophylaxis is considered optimal care for children and adults with severe haemophilia A because of its proven ability to reduce joint and other bleeding episodes. However, a ‘one size fits all’ approach to prophylaxis is not ideal, potentially leading to over‐treatment in some individuals and under‐treatment in others. Moreover, a generic plan fails to take into account a patient's lifestyle and personal preferences. This article reviews the factors contributing to bleeding risk and joint damage and uses case studies to illustrate how these contributors can be weighed to individualize the prophylactic regimen, thereby increasing the likelihood of therapeutic success.