Low Bone Mineral Density in Hemophiliacs

Jennifer Gebetsberger; Michael Schirmer; Walter J Wurzer; Werner Streif

doi:10.3389/fmed.2022.794456

Low Bone Mineral Density in Hemophiliacs

Front Med (Lausanne). 2022 Feb 2:9:794456. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2022.794456. eCollection 2022.

Authors

Jennifer Gebetsberger¹, Michael Schirmer², Walter J Wurzer³, Werner Streif¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Pediatrics I, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
² Department of Internal Medicine, Clinic II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
³ Speciality Pharma Service Austria, Altenmarkt, Austria.

Abstract

Objective: To review the current knowledge on bone health in patients with hemophilia A and the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms.

Data sources: Original research articles, meta-analyses, and scientific reviews.

Data synthesis: Already in childhood, patients with hemophilia A are prone to low bone mineral density, leading to osteopenia and/or osteoporosis. Initially associated with the life style of hemophilia, today we are faced with accumulating evidence that coagulation factor VIII is involved directly or indirectly in bone physiology.

Conclusion: Understanding the role of factor VIII and the mechanisms of decreased bone mineral density in hemophilia A is critically important, especially as non-factor replacement therapies are available, and treatment decisions potentially impact bone health.

Keywords: bone mineral density; coagulation; factor VIII; hemophilia A; osteopenia; osteoporosis.

Publication types

Review