Home Treatment for Children with Hemophilia
Twenty-four hemophilic boys between the ages of 2 and 21, 4 with factor IX and 20 with factor VIII deficiency, have been on a home transfusion program for 2 to 22 months. Criteria for participation include: moderate or severe disease, family cooperation, accessible veins and attendance at Comprehensive Hemophilia Clinic. Strict guidelines are given to families for treating hemorrhages without physician consultation at home, versus those that must be seen by a physician.Only 1 child has required hospitalization for bleeding. One child has had clinical hepatitis on 2 occasions. No patient has developed an inhibitor. No complications related to nonprofessional I.V. administration have occurred. Of 18 boys tested for hepatitis B antibodies, 17 were positive. None has been positive for hepatitis B antigen. Of 12 boys with established severe arthropathy, 8 have had symptomatic improvement and 4 are stable. Of 12 boys with minimal or no arthropathy, all are stable except 1 who has developed chronic synovitis.Psycho-social benefits include a new found independence, improved living routine for family units and opportunities to participate in more activities. The mean cost/boy/month was $397.We conclude that home treatment for hemophilic children is both safe and effective and should be available to all children meeting the above criteria.