Longitudinal Assessment of Joint Health in Paediatric Haemophilia Using the HEAD-US Ultrasound Scoring System: The...

Background: Early detection of joint damage in haemophilia is essential to prevent haemophilic arthropathy. This study longitudinally evaluated joint health in paediatric patients with haemophilia in Greece using the Haemophilia Early Arthropathy Detection with Ultrasound (HEAD-US) scoring system. Methods: Children aged 5-18 years with haemophilia of any severity, all receiving prophylaxis, were assessed at baseline and during longitudinal follow-up visits scheduled at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. Evaluations included HEAD-US and Haemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS), functional ability (PedHAL), health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and pain (BPI). Results: Forty-seven boys (mean age 11.5 ± 3.7 years) were included (severe 83%, moderate 11%, mild 6%). Baseline HEAD-US scores were low (mean ± SE: 0.22 ± 0.069). No significant overall change was observed over time, although left knee showed significant improvement (p < 0.05). Ankles consistently exhibited higher scores compared to other joints (p < 0.05). Synovitis was the most frequent abnormality, while cartilage damage was infrequent and subchondral bone changes were negligible. HEAD-US detected more abnormalities than HJHS. Conclusions: Joint health was well preserved under prophylaxis, with synovitis representing the earliest detectable change, although interpretation is limited by incomplete long-term follow-up. HEAD-US proved more sensitive than clinical assessment, supporting its role in routine longitudinal monitoring.