Toward optimal therapy for inhibitors in hemophilia

CL Kempton, SL Meeks - Blood, The Journal of the American …, 2014 - ashpublications.org
CL Kempton, SL Meeks
Blood, The Journal of the American Society of Hematology, 2014ashpublications.org
Abstract Treatment of patients with hemophilia A and B has undergone significant advances
during the past 2 decades. However, despite these advances, the development of
antibodies that inhibit the function of infused clotting factor remains a major challenge and is
considered the most significant complication of hemophilia treatment. This chapter reviews
current tools available for the care of patients with inhibitors and highlights areas where
progress is imminent or strongly needed. For management of bleeding, bypassing agents …
Abstract
Treatment of patients with hemophilia A and B has undergone significant advances during the past 2 decades. However, despite these advances, the development of antibodies that inhibit the function of infused clotting factor remains a major challenge and is considered the most significant complication of hemophilia treatment. This chapter reviews current tools available for the care of patients with inhibitors and highlights areas where progress is imminent or strongly needed. For management of bleeding, bypassing agents remain the mainstay of therapy. Recombinant factor VIIa and activated prothrombin complex concentrates are similarly effective in populations of patients with hemophilia and inhibitors; however, individuals may show a better response to one agent over another. Recent studies have shown that prophylaxis with bypassing agents can reduce bleeding episodes by ∼50%-80%. The prophylactic use of bypassing agents is an important tool to reduce morbidity in patients before they undergo immune tolerance induction (ITI) and in those with persistent high titer inhibitors, but cost and lack of convenience remain barriers. Because of the significant burden that inhibitors add to the individual patient and the health care system, inhibitor eradication should be pursued in as many patients as possible. ITI is an effective tool, particularly in patients with severe hemophilia A and good risk profiles, and leads to a return to a normal factor VIII response in ∼60% of patients. However, for the group of patients who fail to respond to ITI or have hemophilia B, new and improved tools are needed.
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