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- Abbott Diagnostic Division, Hematology
- New York Presbyterian, Columbia Medical Center
- New York University School of Medicine
- Address for Correspondence: Larry J. Smith
, Abbott Diagnostic Division, Hematology, larry.smith{at}abbott.com
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Explain the pathogenesis and genetic mechanisms associated with hemophilia A and B.
2. Provide a historical account of hemophilia treatment and current available treatment options.
3. Describe laboratory assays available in the clinical laboratory used to diagnose patients with hemophilia and to monitor therapy.
ABSTRACT
Hemophilia is a rare congenital bleeding disorder characterized by decreased levels of coagulation factor VIII or factor IX in the circulation. The disorder is associated with lifelong bleeding that ranges from mild to severe in affected individuals. Treatment requires replacement of the missing factor and is often associated with the development of antibodies that may exacerbate the bleeding diathesis seen in these individuals. The clinical laboratory plays a unique role in the diagnosis of hemophilia and in monitoring the effectiveness of standard replacement therapy as well as many of the newer replacement therapies that have been developed.
- acquired bleeding disorders
- bleeding disorders
- Christmas disease
- congenital bleeding disorders
- hemophilia
- hemophilia A
- hemophilia B
- FVIII deficiency
- FIX deficiency
This edition of Focus consists of three articles that will (1) present a thorough review of hemophilia; (2) explain both current and new treatment options; and (3) describe the preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical variables associated with clinical assays used to diagnose and monitor treatment in patients with hemophilia.
Hemophilia is a rare bleeding disorder that involves a mutation in the genes for factor VIII (FVIII) or factor IX (FIX), resulting in decreased production of these clotting factors.1 Hemophilia A (HA) results from a deficiency of FVIII, and hemophilia B (HB) results from a deficiency of FIX. The prevalence of HA and HB in the population is 1 in 5000 and 1 in 30 000 live male births, respectively.1 Bleeding symptoms range from mild to severe and may manifest in hemarthrosis, soft-tissue bleeds, arthropathy, joint contractures, and disability.1 Congenital HA and HB are sex-linked disorders inherited in a recessive pattern. Additionally, up to 30% of cases may arise de novo resulting from a spontaneous mutation.1 “Hemophilia” will discuss the pathogenesis and genetic mechanisms associated with hemophilia as well as describe clinical and laboratory manifestations observed in patients with hemophilia.
The main treatment for hemophilia has been replacement therapy involving the administration of the deficient coagulation factor to achieve adequate hemostasis.2 Treatment is either on demand or given prophylactically. The goal of treatment is to prevent joint bleeds that can ultimately lead to disability. Much progress has been made in hemophilia treatment over the years with the introduction of plasma-derived and recombinant products. Because of bioengineering technology, scientists have been able to increase the half-lives of recombinant products resulting in few injections and less immunogenicity developing in treated patients.2 A number of gene therapy trials have also been conducted, and very promising results have been obtained suggesting a possible cure for hemophilia.3 “Past, Present and Future Options in the Treatment of Hemophilia A” will provide a historical account of the treatment for HA as well as current available treatment options.
The clinical laboratory plays a critical role in diagnosing patients with hemophilia and in therapeutic monitoring. The diagnosis of hemophilia can be established with factor assays for FVIII and FIX. The one-stage (clotting) assay is the most widely used assay for factor assay determination.4 It measures the ability of patient plasma to reduce the activated partial thromboplastin clotting time of FVIII- or FIX-deficient plasma. In addition, a two-stage chromogenic substrate assay may be used as an alternative.4 The first stage involves the generation of activated factor X (FXa), and the second stage is involved in measuring the amount of generated FXa that is proportional to the amount of FVIII or FIX present in the patient plasma.5 Performance characteristics along with the advantages and disadvantages of these assays will be discussed in detail in “Laboratory Monitoring of Factor VIII and FIX in Hemophilia Patients” in this Focus series.
- Received October 18, 2018.
- Accepted February 20, 2019.
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
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