What COVID-19 can mean for people with hemophilia beyond the infection risk

Abstract

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic represents an unprecedented global health crisis. To combat its effects, many governments have opted for strategies of social isolation that involve a radical change in people's behavior. Areas covered: For patients with hemophilia, the negative consequences of these measures can be greater, given they modify aspects of health care and lifestyles needed to counteract the adverse effects of hemophilia. The long-term consequences of the pandemic on patients with hemophilia are not well known. The aim of this special report is to show what COVID-19 could mean for this population, beyond the risk of infection. Expert opinion: Considerations of the clinical, care, therapeutic, physical, nutritional, mental health, pain, and disability aspects that might be affected are included. Strategies are also suggested to minimize the effects that these issues can have on patients' lives. Patients, health professionals, and society as a whole must work together to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on people with hemophilia.

Impact of first COVID‐19 lockdown on paediatric and adult haemophilia patients treated in a French Haemophilia Comprehensive Care Centre

“…Lockdowns likely exert a devastating impact on patients suffering from chronic diseases 2–4 . Although such effects have already been partly investigated in the general population, 5 among healthcare professionals, 6 and in patients suffering from cancer, 7 little is known on their global impact in haemophilia patients 8–15 . Concerns have rapidly emerged regarding the pandemic's impact of and its deleterious consequences on healthcare access and global management of haemophilia patients.…”

COVID-19 cases and their outcome among patients with uncommon co-existing illnesses: A lesson from Northern India

“…Since haemophilia is coagulation disorder treatment of COVID 19 coagulation defects poses a challenging task and especially in severe cases as shown by De la Corte-Rodriguez H et al but fortunately it not a risk factor for severe COVID 19 disease. 21 Our patient recovered a mild illness with complete recovery and no coagulation defect. We report a newly diagnosed untreated case of CML without other comorbidities developed severe COVID disease and recovered.…”

Effect of Implementation of COVID-19 Guidelines on the Lives of Haemophilia Patients Registered with the Haemophilia Treatment Centre, Rawalpindi

“…Fear of lack of access to health care, medication and home help, and continuing clinical trials are additional stressors faced by the haemophilia patients. 14 The HTC, Rawalpindi motivated its patients to stay in touch with family and friends, continue performing daylight activities, use bed only for sleep and maintain a regular sleep-wake schedule. Full emotional support was provided to the LDP patients throughout the pandemic.…”

“…Increased body weight, reduced sun exposure and mood disorders, all are side effects of confinement at home. 14 The HTC recommended its patients to remain active and eat a balanced diet. They were encouraged to continue taking their weekly vitamin D supplementation to benefit bone mineral density and for protection against respiratory infections.…”

“…They were encouraged to continue taking their weekly vitamin D supplementation to benefit bone mineral density and for protection against respiratory infections. 14,16,17 The nutritional status of LDP patients remained optimum throughout the pandemic. Although social distancing and confinement is a smart strategy to restrict the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, it could affect the lives of the population (especially those already suffering from additional stressors), much more than the COVID-19 infection itself.…”