Clinical Evaluation of the Joints of Patients with Hemophilia

Abstract

Sezai Ozkan, Ugur Turktas, Fethi M. Ceylan, Savas Guner, Ali Dogan, Ozcan Hiz

Objective: Hemophilia is the most common and serious disease of congenital coagulation factor deficiency and causes arthropathy by hemarthrosis. A proper and timely treatment can decrease morbidity in patients. The objective of this study to evaluate the joints of patients with hemophilia in the Van region. Method: 30 patients of hemophilia who applied to our clinic between March 2009 and October 2010 were included to study. The patients were between 18–60 years old (the mean age is 29,9) and, based on clinical and radiological criteria, were diagnosed with hemophilic arthropathy. The clinical examination of the patients’ joints, frequency of intra-articular bleeding, age of diagnosis and factor levels were evaluated, and whether patients were given prophylaxis or not was taken in consideration. Results: 25 of the patients (83,3%) had severe hemophilia and their factor level was below 1%. The mean diagnosis age of our patients was 11,1. 7 of the patients (23,3%) were not given prophylaxis treatment. Limited range of motion of the joints, except shoulders, was statistically meaningful when compared to the control group (p<0.001). Knee was the most commonly affected joint (48,2%). In order of decreasing frequency, the elbow, hip, ankle and shoulder were the other affected joints. Surgical procedures were applied on 9 patients (30%). Conclusion: Treatment and monitoring of patients with hemophilia requires a multidisciplinary approach. Early diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and a constant monitoring will be effective in preventing arthropaty