There is considerable variability in bleeding patterns of severe haemophilia (<1%
factor VIII). Knowledge of the contribution of thrombophilic factors in these patterns
may improve individually tailored treatment strategies. We reviewed the literature
regarding the relation between prothrombotic factors and clinical phenotype of severe
haemophilia. Medline and EMBASE were searched for relevant articles. 9369 articles
published between 1963 and September 2003 were screened and seven relevant papers
were retrieved. Each of these reported on a different combination of thrombophilic
factors. Presence of the factor V Leiden mutation appears to decrease the severity
of severe haemophilia most consistently. Findings on other thrombophilic factors were
inconclusive. There is a clear need for additional research on potential determinants
of phenotypes of severe haemophilia before such knowledge can be translated into individual
care for severe haemophilia patients with confidence.
Keywords
Severe haemophilia - phenotype - prothrombotic factors