Prophylaxis

About Bleeding Disorders

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Understanding Prophylaxis

Prophylaxis refers to the regular infusion of clotting factor concentrates to prevent bleeding episodes in individuals with haemophilia. The concept of prophylaxis arose from observations that individuals with moderate or mild haemophilia, characterized by clotting factor levels of 1% or more, rarely experience spontaneous bleeding and have less joint damage compared to those with severe haemophilia.

It's important to note that while prophylaxis cannot repair already damaged joints, it can significantly decrease the frequency of bleeding episodes and may slow the progression of joint disease. This can lead to improvements in quality of life for individuals with haemophilia. The goal of prophylaxis is to maintain minimum factor levels around 1% through regular infusions of clotting factor concentrates, thereby reducing the risk of bleeding and preventing further joint damage. Studies have demonstrated that children who receive prophylaxis experience fewer bleeds and have healthier joints compared to those who do not.

Today, prophylaxis is considered the standard of care in haemophilia treatment, allowing individuals to lead active lives and participate more fully in daily activities without the constant fear of bleeding episodes. By providing ongoing protection against bleeding, prophylaxis enables individuals with haemophilia to pursue their goals and enjoy a better quality of life.

Prophylaxis refers to the regular infusion of clotting factor concentrates to prevent bleeding episodes in individuals with haemophilia. It involves scheduled infusions of clotting factor concentrates to maintain sufficient levels of clotting factors in the bloodstream, thereby reducing the risk of spontaneous bleeding.
Prophylaxis schedules vary depending on individual factors such as the severity of haemophilia, age, lifestyle, and treatment response. It may involve infusions of clotting factor concentrates multiple times per week, typically every other day or three times a week, or less frequently in some cases.
The benefits of prophylaxis include reduced frequency and severity of bleeding episodes, prevention of joint damage and chronic pain, improved quality of life, and the ability to engage in physical activities without the constant fear of bleeding.