Viral exposure and abnormal liver function in haemophilia

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Hepatology
• Virology

Background:

• Asymptomatic hemophiliacs often present with abnormal liver function tests.
• The unknown etiology may involve agents transmitted through blood products.
• Understanding viral exposure is crucial for managing liver function in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of viral exposure in multitransfused hemophiliacs.
• To investigate the relationship between viral exposure and liver function abnormalities.
• To assess the risk of viral transmission from blood products in hemophilia patients.

Main Methods:

• Serological testing for viral antibodies and antigens (Hepatitis B, Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus).
• Assessment of liver function tests in patients with hemophilia.
• Comparison of viral exposure prevalence with the general population.

Main Results:

• 83% of patients had antibodies to Hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs).
• 50% of patients exhibited abnormal liver function tests.
• No increased risk of exposure to studied viruses, except Hepatitis B virus, was found despite multiple transfusions.

Conclusions:

• Multiple blood product transfusions in hemophilia do not significantly increase exposure to most common viruses.
• Hepatitis B virus remains a potential risk factor for viral exposure in this cohort.
• Further investigation into the causes of abnormal liver function in hemophiliacs is warranted.