Hemophilia News TodayChronic Ankle Pain in Hemophilia Significantly Affects Quality of Life

UK Study Reveals Chronic Pain and Presence of Inhibitors as Key Predictors of Poor Patient-Reported Outcomes

A recent study from the United Kingdom sheds light on the debilitating effects of ankle arthropathy in patients with moderate-to-severe hemophilia. The research underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and monitoring to improve the quality of life and functional outcomes for these patients.

HCN Medical Memo
This study serves as a crucial reminder of the significant impact of ankle arthropathy on quality of life. Effective pain management and monitoring for the presence of inhibitors are essential for improving patient outcomes. Given that over half of the study participants were not regularly using pain medication, there is a clear opportunity for medical intervention to better manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for these patients.

Key Points

• The study involved 243 participants with confirmed ankle arthropathy, most of whom had severe hemophilia A (75.7%).
• Chronic pain and the presence of inhibitors in the blood were identified as significant predictors of poor patient-reported outcomes.
• On a scale of 0 to 100, patients with severe hemophilia scored an average of 35.3 in health-related quality of life, as assessed by the HAEMO-QoL-A questionnaire.
• Pain scores were notably high, with severe hemophilia patients reporting an average score of 5.0 out of 10 over the last six months.
• Healthcare professionals advocate for the close monitoring of ankle pain and inhibitors to improve clinical interventions.

According to a study published in the journal Haemophilia, approximately 90% of people with severe hemophilia experience joint bleeding, with the ankle being one of the most commonly affected joints.

Additional Points

• The most affected joints in hemophilia patients are usually the ankles, knees, and elbows, with ankles being particularly problematic.
• Among those who provided information about pain medication, 56.2% said they did not use it regularly.
• The study calls for further research to provide robust evidence for interventions that may improve pain and prevent the decline in ankle joint health.

More on Hemophilia