Haemophilia in extreme immature preterm infants: increased risk for intracranial haemorrhage?
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Published on: October 31, 2025
Susanne Fink1, Steffen Kunzmann, Oliver Andres
1University of Würzburg, Paediatric Intensive Care and Neonatology Unit, Children's Hospital , Germany and.
Insights
Extremely premature infants with severe hemophilia A face high intracranial hemorrhage risk. Prophylactic factor VIII or IX may reduce bleeding and neurological issues in these vulnerable infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Hematology
- Pediatric Neurology
Background:
- Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a significant risk in extremely premature infants.
- Hemophilia A, a severe bleeding disorder, further elevates ICH risk.
- The role of factor VIII or IX deficiency in neonatal ICH remains debated.
Observation:
- This report details a case of a 26-gestational-week infant (635g) with severe hemophilia A and ICH.
- A literature review on hemophilia and ICH in preterm infants was conducted.
Findings:
- The co-occurrence of extreme prematurity and severe hemophilia A presents a complex clinical challenge.
- Existing literature shows controversy regarding factor VIII/IX deficiency as an ICH risk factor in preterm neonates.
Implications:
- Prophylactic administration of factor VIII or IX in preterm infants with hemophilia is suggested.
- Early intervention may mitigate the risk of severe bleeding complications and long-term neurological sequelae.
- Further research is warranted to clarify the benefits of prophylactic factor replacement in this high-risk population.
Abstract:
Haemophiliacs and extremely premature infants are both at an increased risk for intracranial haemorrhage; both conditions might be further elevating the risk. We report a case of a very immature preterm-infant of 26 gestational weeks (birth weight 635 g) with severe haemophilia A. Furthermore, we provide an overview of the published literature on this subject matter. Until now, deficiency of factor VIII or IX as a potential risk factor for ICH in preterm infants remains controversial. However, prophylactic substitution of factor VIII or IX in preterm infants with haemophilia may minimize the risk of bleeding complications and neurologic sequelae.
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