[Causes of death in patients with haemophilia in Germany 2006/2007]

Since 1983 (survey period returning to 1978) with support of numerous haemophilia treating centres of any size an annual survey regarding the epidemiology of patients suffering of haemophilia is performed. The actual compilation is resting upon a broad database returning to almost 30 years of inquiry well representing both the actual and retrospective status of mortality. Prompted was exclusively information about patients with haemophilia A, B and von Willebrand disease. In particular anonymous data concerning the last 12 months about number of treated patients, type and severity of illness, HIV-status and detailed information about causes of death was inquired. This data was merged with existing data and analyzed statistically. In the 2006/2007 survey, a total number of 8188 patients with bleeding disorders have been reported from 69 participating centres. Despite mortality from HIV in patients with haemophilia is decreasing, HIV still remains an important factor as a HIV/HCV coinfection seems to increase risk of progression of liver disease. Age structure in our patients has been shifting significantly over the last decades bringing age distribution into line with the entire population. This has to be considered in assessing mortality and morbidity.