Back to Journals » Patient Preference and Adherence » Volume 11

Treatment adherence in hemophilia
Authors Thornburg CD, Duncan NA
Received 18 April 2017
Accepted for publication 8 August 2017
Published 27 September 2017 Volume 2017:11 Pages 1677—1686
DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/PPA.S139851
Checked for plagiarism Yes
Review by Single-blind
Peer reviewers approved by Dr Amy Norman
Peer reviewer comments 2
Editor who approved publication: Dr Johnny Chen
Courtney D Thornburg,1 Natalie A Duncan2
1Hemophilia and Thrombosis Treatment Center, Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, CA, 2Indiana Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
Abstract: Prophylactic clotting-factor regimens reduce the occurrence of bleeding episodes and maintain joint health in individuals with moderate and severe hemophilia. However, these outcomes are only achieved with adherence to prescribed prophylaxis regimens. There are several types of barriers to adherence related to key patient, condition, treatment, health-care system, and/or socioeconomic variables. Notably, health-care professionals may not prescribe prophylaxis if they perceive that a patient will be nonadherent. Prophylactic treatment strategies should be developed with the patient and family, focused on individualized treatment goals. Personalized strategies are needed to reinforce the importance of and encourage confidence in administering the regular infusions required for prophylactic therapy. These strategies may include verbal and written information delivered by health-care professionals, peers, and interactive media. The advent of extended half-life clotting factors requiring less frequent infusion may improve adherence.
Keywords: hemophilia, prophylaxis, adherence, VERITAS-Pro
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