Primary Prophylaxis

Introduction to Hemophilia Care

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There are two types of prophylaxis — primary and secondary. The use of primary prophylaxis has allowed many children with severe hemophilia to live more normal lives with fewer acute bleeding episodes and decreased orthopedic complications. When begun at an early age and continued in an uninterrupted fashion, primary prophylaxis has been useful in preventing hemophilic arthropathy.

Primary Prophylaxis


	Definition


	Regularly scheduled treatments, administered 2 or 3 predetermined days of the week, starting at an early age (before frequent bleeds have occurred) to prevent bleeding


	Goal


	Prevent spontaneous joint bleeds , the development of joint disease and decrease the risk of other serious bleeding episodes


	Advantages


	Decreased number of bleeds in people with poor venous access Decreased joint disease, prevent other serious bleeds Minimize family lifestyle disruption


	Disadvantages


	Might require central venous access device Expensive