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Prophylaxis therapy in haemophilia prevents spontaneous bleeding, protects joints, and enhances quality of life, offering a proactive alternative to on-demand treatment.
Prophylaxis therapy is cost-effective, reduces the need for expensive emergency treatments, and results in better overall health outcomes, making it more effective than on-demand treatments.
“Prevention is better than cure” remains a timeless adage, and the discovery of prophylaxis in haemophilia care underscores its ongoing relevance. The World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH) recognizes prophylaxis a regular replacement therapy as a Standard of Care (SoC) for People with Haemophilia (PwH) worldwide.
Haemophilia is an internationally classified rare, inherited bleeding disorder caused by the absence of clotting factors in the blood. Clotting factors are specialized proteins that work together to form blood clots, preventing excessive bleeding. Prophylaxis therapy is cost-effective, reduces the need for expensive emergency treatments, and results in better overall health outcomes, making it more effective than on-demand treatments.
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Dr Anupam Dutta, Associate Professor, Assam Medical College & Hospital, Dibrugarh, Assam shares all you need to know:
Challenges for PwH
A person with haemophilia not only experiences reduced quality of life but also faces significant socio-economic challenges, including employment gaps, frequent absenteeism, financial instability, and a diminished sense of purpose.
Recurrent bleeding into joints can lead to chronic pain, swelling, and long-term mobility issues.
Some patients develop inhibitors against clotting treatments, which can result in severe, uncontrolled bleeding occurring spontaneously or even after minor injuries.
Untreated haemophilia can cause bleeding episodes that may lead to irreversible joint damage or intracranial bleeds, which can be life-threatening.
Haemophilia Burden in India
India has a substantial haemophilia burden, with an estimated 136,000 people affected, making it the country with the second-largest global prevalence. Despite notable improvements in treatment and therapies including leadership in human gene therapy — high treatment costs remain a challenge.
This is where the “prevention is better than cure” approach needs to make a comeback. Unlike on-demand therapy, which treats excessive bleeding after it occurs, prophylaxis takes a preventative, holistic approach by addressing the problem before it arises. In India, prophylactic treatment among haemophilia patients over 18 years of age is only about 4%, significantly lower than the over 90% adoption seen in developed countries.
What Is Prophylaxis in Haemophilia?
Prophylaxis involves the regular administration of treatment to prevent bleeding episodes. This may include replacing the missing clotting factor (Factor VIII or IX) or, in the case of haemophilia A, administering antibodies such as emicizumab at regular intervals. By maintaining a baseline level of clotting factors, prophylaxis prevents spontaneous bleeding episodes, ultimately improving the quality of life for PwH.
Prioritizing prophylaxis over on-demand treatment in haemophilia care offers significant benefits:
Preventing recurrent bleeding and long-term joint damage
Reducing the occurrence of spontaneous bleeds
Improving overall quality of life compared to on-demand therapy
Long-term cost savings by reducing emergency treatments, hospitalizations, and complex interventions
Given these compelling advantages, it is imperative for India to adopt prophylaxis as the preferred method of care for haemophilia, ensuring better health outcomes and a higher quality of life for affected individuals.
About the Author
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
September 25, 2025, 11:06 IST
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