Towards the goal of prophylaxis: experience and treatment strategies from Sweden, France and Hungary

Abstract

The only form of haemophilia treatment that is able to prevent arthropathy and other consequences of bleeding symptoms in patients with severe haemophilia is prophylaxis started at an early age (primary prophylaxis). It is also highly beneficial for the psychological and social wellbeing of patients and their families. Scientific institutions and international organizations such as WHO, the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) and the National Haemophilia Foundation (NHF) have recommended that prophylaxis be considered optimum therapy. This paper discusses the barriers to prophylaxis, such as the perceived need, costs and availability, and difficulty of venous access, and describes the authors' experiences with the therapy.