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Hemophilia: Diagnosis and Evaluation

Hemophilia: Diagnosis and Evaluation

Diagnosing hemophilia accurately is essential for effective management. It involves a combination of assessing clinical bleeding history and performing specialized laboratory investigations. Because hemophilia A and B present identically, they cannot be distinguished by physical examination alone; precise blood tests are required. At Liv Hospital, the evaluation process is comprehensive, aiming not only to identify the type of hemophilia but also to stratify its severity and check for genetic implications that may affect the wider family

Coagulation Screening Tests

Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT)

The initial screening test is the Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT). This measures how long it takes for blood to clot through the intrinsic pathway.

Interpretation

In hemophilia, the APTT is prolonged (takes longer than normal). However, the Prothrombin Time (PT), which measures the extrinsic pathway, remains normal. An isolated prolonged APTT suggests a deficiency in Factor VIII, IX, XI, or XII and prompts further testing.

Factor Assays

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Definitive Diagnosis

  • To confirm the diagnosis and distinguish between Hemophilia A and B, a specific factor assay is performed.

    Measuring Activity

    This test measures the functional activity of Factor VIII and Factor IX.

    Diagnosis A: Low Factor VIII activity confirms Hemophilia A.

    Diagnosis B: Low Factor IX activity confirms Hemophilia B.

    The level of activity found dictates the severity classification (mild, moderate, or severe), which directly influences the treatment protocol.

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Genetic Testing (Genotyping)

Genetic Testing (Genotyping)
  • DNA Analysis

    Genetic testing looks for the specific mutation in the Factor VIII or Factor IX gene.

    Utility

    Identifying the specific mutation is useful for predicting the risk of developing inhibitors (antibodies against the treatment). It is also essential for carrier testing in female relatives who may be at risk of passing the gene to their children.

Inhibitor Screening

The Bethesda Assay

One of the most critical evaluations for a hemophilia patient is checking for inhibitors. An inhibitor is an antibody developed by the immune system that neutralizes the infused clotting factor concentrate, rendering standard treatment ineffective.

Quantification

The Bethesda assay measures the concentration of these inhibitors. The result is given in Bethesda Units (BU). A low-titer inhibitor (<5 BU) may be overcome with higher doses of factor, while a high-titer inhibitor (>5 BU) requires alternative therapies.

Prenatal Diagnosis

Prenatal Diagnosis

Fetal Testing

For families with a known history of hemophilia, prenatal diagnosis can determine if a male fetus is affected.

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)

Performed between weeks 11 and 14 of pregnancy, this tests tissue from the placenta.

Amniocentesis

Performed after week 15, this tests the amniotic fluid.

Non-Invasive Options

In some cases, determination of fetal sex via maternal blood test can help rule out the disease (if the fetus is female), though definitive genetic diagnosis still requires invasive sampling.

Musculoskeletal Evaluation

Joint Health Assessment

For patients with established hemophilia, regular evaluation of joint health is vital to detect early signs of arthropathy.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS)

Ultrasound is increasingly used to detect early joint changes and small amounts of fluid (effusion) that may not be apparent on physical exam.

MRI Scans

Magnetic Resonance Imaging provides the most detailed view of the soft tissue and cartilage status, helping to guide decisions on physiotherapy or orthopedic intervention.

Differential Diagnosis

Excluding Other Disorders

The evaluation must rule out other bleeding disorders.

Von Willebrand Disease (VWD)

This is the most common bleeding disorder. It can also cause low Factor VIII levels, mimicking mild Hemophilia A. Specific tests for Von Willebrand Factor antigen and activity are needed to distinguish the two.

Factor XI Deficiency

Sometimes called Hemophilia C, this affects both genders and is distinguished by specific Factor XI assays.

Pre-Surgical Evaluation

Pre-Surgical Evaluation

Risk Stratification

Before any surgical procedure, including dental extractions, a rigorous evaluation is required.

Replacement Planning

The medical team calculates exactly how much factor replacement will be needed to maintain hemostasis during and after the surgery to prevent uncontrolled bleeding.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the APTT test?

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