Haemophilia management programme: Transformation during COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Haemophilia is a serious bleeding disorder impacting quality of life.
• Management in India relies on on-demand factor treatment.
• The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges to patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on haemophilia patient care in India.
• To analyze trends in hospital visits, factor utilization, and complications.
• To describe challenges in managing haemophilia during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study comparing pre-COVID (Oct 2019-Mar 2020) and COVID-19 periods (Apr-Sep 2020).
• Analysis of patient visits, hospital admissions, and coagulant factor (VIII, IX, VIIa) utilization.
• Case descriptions of unusual complications and management challenges.

Main Results:

• Patient visits and admissions significantly decreased during the COVID-19 period.
• Factor utilization reduced, with no use for elective surgeries.
• Eight deaths occurred due to delayed treatment, and management of severe bleeds was challenging.

Conclusions:

• The pandemic underscored the necessity of on-demand home treatment with coagulant factors.
• It also emphasized the need for primary prophylaxis, particularly for young haemophilia patients.
• Improved home-based care models are crucial for haemophilia management during health crises.