Emergency Department Visits in Hemophilia Patients

Kim, Mikyoung; Ryu, Miju; Lee, Jeong Eun; Park, Jikyoung; Lee, Soonyoung

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Hemophilia A and hemophilia B are characterized by prolongation of bleeding and hemorrhages in the joints and soft tissues. There is no ultimate treatment, if patients did not properly manage who can lead to chronic disease and lifelong disabilities. Many patients with hemophilia continue to seek medical attention, for several reasons in the emergency department (ED). In this retrospective study, we examined the overall ED use by patients with hemophilia in a single center, particularly in order to examine visits related to clinical characteristics.
METHODS
There were 210 patients with hemophilia for a 16-year period. Among them, 96 patients visited the ED. We evaluated the history, laboratory findings, image study, clinical course.
RESULTS
There are 170 hemophilia A, 40 hemophilia B. Bleeding is the most common reason for ED visits. Bleeding site is joint, intracranial, muscle, subcutaneous, gastrointestinal in regular sequence. Life threatening bleeding was reported 23 episodes of Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), 12 episodes of gastrointestinal hemorrhage, 6 episodes of iliopsoas bleeding and 2 episodes of pulmonary hemorrhage. In the case of ICH, seizure is usual symptom. In the case of gastrointestinal bleeding, hematochezia is the common symptom. In the case of iliopsoas bleeding, lower extremity pain and edema, limitation of motion are common symptoms.
CONCLUSION
In order to minimize complications, we must perform fast, accurate judgement and treatment when the patients with hemophilia visit ED.