Subscribe to RSS
![](/products/assets/desktop/img/oa-logo.png)
DOI: 10.4103/ijps.IJPS_214_16
Flap cover in a patient with severe haemophilia type A
Address for correspondence:
Publication History
Publication Date:
09 July 2019 (online)
ABSTRACT
Haemophilia A is a rare haematological disorder due to deficiency of Factor VIII, causing an abnormal coagulation response to injury. In severe haemophilia A, Factor VIII level is <1%, often manifesting with spontaneous bleeding into joints. Judicious use of recombinant Factor VIII therapy to maintain adequate levels in the intraoperative, immediate and late post-operative periods, together with adjuvant pro-coagulants, can ensure a safe outcome following surgery. We describe the successful management of one such patient suffering from Marjolin's ulcer of the right gluteal region, who needed wide local excision followed by flap cover. A protocol for management of such patients is also suggested. This is the first such case report from the Indian subcontinent, with only a few such published reports from the West.
#
INTRODUCTION
The incidence of haemophilia is estimated to be around 1 in 5000 newborn males, with over 400,000 people living with this disorder worldwide.[1] Further, an estimated 1300 children are born with haemophilia every year in India, now home to about 50,000 severe haemophiliacs.[1]
Severity of the bleeding diathesis directly correlates with the levels of Factor VIII[2] [Table 1]. This inherited severe bleeding tendency makes any surgical procedure risky and this risk is increased with flap surgery where adequate haemostasis is critical.
#
CASE REPORT
The patient in this case is a 38-year-old gentleman, diagnosed with haemophilia type A soon after birth, and having been on follow-up at this institution since then. He also suffered from post-poliomyelitis residual paralysis from the hip downwards, together with hiatus hernia and a conservatively managed left neck of femur fracture. The scars of tuberculosis abscess drainage in the right gluteal region (operated in 2002) had now given rise to biopsy-proven Marjolin's ulcer, with surrounding induration.
After wide local excision, the defect's dimensions would be 14 cm × 12 cm cranio-caudal in the right gluteal region, and bone deep, close to the anal verge. Our first plan for cover was free tissue transfer using a parascapular flap, with inferior gluteal artery thigh flap as our second option. Possible need for a diversion colostomy was also discussed [Figure 1].
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/10.1055-s-00042863/201702/thumbnails/10-4103-ijps-ijps_214_16_00213_01.jpg)
![Zoom Image](/products/assets/desktop/css/img/icon-figure-zoom.png)
Haematological investigations revealed Factor VIII assay level – 0.2% (severe type A) with no inhibitors, and rest of coagulation cascade being normal. The haematologist advised Factor VIII replacement therapy combined with tranexamic acid. Following a detailed literature search,[3] [4] [5] [6] administration of Factor VIII to achieve a target of 100% Factor VIII levels on the day of surgery and the first post-operative day, followed by 50% levels for the next 2 weeks, was decided upon.
A test injection of 1000 IU of Factor VIII was found to provide a trough level of 25% at the end of 8 hours, in our patient weighing 58 kg.
Therefore, a loading dose of 4000 IU (1000 IU × 4 as 25% × 4 = 100%) was decided upon, with a plan for 1000 IU every 8 hours to maintain the same levels in the post-operative period.
Following day, he was given an induction dose of 4000 IU immediately before surgery. Following wide local excision of the tumour and ‘frozen section’ confirmation of negative margins, he underwent right gluteal inferiorly based rotation flap using the sliding rotation-transposition template method[7] to cover the resulting defect [Figure 2].
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/10.1055-s-00042863/201702/thumbnails/10-4103-ijps-ijps_214_16_00213_02.jpg)
![Zoom Image](/products/assets/desktop/css/img/icon-figure-zoom.png)
The maintenance dose of 1000 IU was repeated 3 hours after induction. Prior to closure, 250 IU of Factor VIII was sprinkled over the wound [Figure 3]. Intravenous (IV) tranexamic acid was given during the procedure as a 2 g infusion and repeated every 8th hourly subsequently. Factor VIII levels were assayed and found to be 75% on post-operative day 1. Factor VIII was continued at 1000 IU q8hourly until post-operative day 3 [Figure 4].
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/10.1055-s-00042863/201702/thumbnails/10-4103-ijps-ijps_214_16_00213_03.jpg)
![Zoom Image](/products/assets/desktop/css/img/icon-figure-zoom.png)
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/10.1055-s-00042863/201702/thumbnails/10-4103-ijps-ijps_214_16_00213_04.jpg)
![Zoom Image](/products/assets/desktop/css/img/icon-figure-zoom.png)
From post-operative day 3, Factor VIII administration was tapered to 750 IU/day for the 1st week, and then to 500 IU daily for the 2nd week, with 8th hourly infusion of tranexamic acid continued throughout the first 2 weeks. A repeat assay revealed Factor VIII level to be 25% during the 1st week.
On 15th post-operative day, a fresh bolus of 3000 IU was given and his sutures were removed. He had an uneventful post-operative period [Figure 5].
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/10.1055-s-00042863/201702/thumbnails/10-4103-ijps-ijps_214_16_00213_05.jpg)
![Zoom Image](/products/assets/desktop/css/img/icon-figure-zoom.png)
On long-term follow-up of over a year, his flap has remained healthy.
#
DISCUSSION
Recombinant Factor VIII requirements in haemophilia[5] can be estimated using the following formula:
Factor VIII (in IU) = Body weight in kg × % desired increase in Factor VIII level × 0.5
Their half-life is 8–12 hours. Their pharmacokinetics can be assessed with a single dose of 1000 IU, and checking Factor VIII assay at the end of 8 hours, to further help refine Factor VIII replacement therapy.
We calculated our required dosage by assessing the Factor VIII levels after a single test dose of 1000 IU, at 8 hours after injection. As Factor VIII level was 25%, we realised that 4 × 1000 IU, or 4000 IU, would be required to attain a level of 100% for the first 8 h. In consultation with our haematologist, we decided that a dose of 1000 IU should help maintain that level when given every 8 hours, for the first 2 days. IV tranexamic acid (2 g) was given every 8th hourly in addition. We were happy to see that, with this regimen, our flap surgery went ahead well with good haemostasis and minimal blood loss. The suction drain was removed on the 4th post-operative day.
From 3rd post-operative day, we found that the administration of 750 IU per day for the 1st week, and 500 IU per day during the 2nd week, was adequate to ensure no late post-operative bleeding complications occurred. The Factor VIII levels during this time were around 25%. This is in contrast to Western literature, which advices to maintain levels at 50% till completion of 2 weeks’ post-procedure. The decision to try a lower maintenance schedule of Factor VIII was motivated, principally, by the high cost and limited availability of recombinant Factor VIII vials, with an estimated cost of around Rs. 11,000 per 500 IU vial (from BAXTER©).[8] [9] [10] Given that the surgical procedure and early post-operative period were uneventful, we were encouraged to try this lower dosage schedule and were glad that it proved adequate. The Factor VIII levels were assayed at periodic intervals to help guide this management.
Tranexamic acid works by inhibiting plasminogen activation, thus preventing degradation of fibrin cross-linkages. With a half-life of 2 hours, it is excreted by the kidneys, and its anti-fibrinolytic effects last up to 8 hours. Its uses are expanding; apart from patients with bleeding disorders, it has shown promise in reducing mortality in bleeding trauma patients.[11]
Despite a number of previous administrations of Factor VIII, thankfully, our patient did not develop antibodies to it (Factor VIII antibody level = 0), else management would have been even more challenging.[12] [13]
The protocol we wish to use in such patients hereafter is as follows:
-
a. Loading dose at induction calculated to keep Factor VIII levels at 100% on the day of surgery
-
b. Maintenance doses at periodic intervals to keep Factor VIII levels at 50% up to 3rd post-operative day, and thereafter at 25% up to suture removal
-
c. Adjuvant pro-coagulant: IV tranexamic acid (10 mg/kg body weight every 8th hourly) until suture removal.
#
CONCLUSION
Familiarity with, and judicious use of, Factor VIII therapy, together with adjuvant pro-coagulants, can make major surgical procedures in severe haemophiliacs safe and effective. Although such encounters are, fortunately, rare, knowledge of Factor VIII therapeutic potential, together with adjuvants, can help us save the day.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
#
#
#
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
Acknowledgement
The authors are grateful to Dr. Shiv Kumar, M.Ch. (Surgical Oncology), St John's Medical College and Hospital, for his contribution in this case.
-
REFERENCES
- 1 ICMR Task Force. Collaborative Study on Hemophilia. New Delhi: Indian Council of Medical Research; 1990
- 2 White 2nd GC, Rosendaal F, Aledort LM, Lusher JM, Rothschild C, Ingerslev J. Factor VIII and Factor IX Subcommittee. Definitions in hemophilia. Recommendation of the Scientific Subcommittee on factor VIII and factor IX of the Scientific and Standardization Committee of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis. Thromb Haemost 2001; 85: 560
- 3 Knott PD, Khariwala SS, Minarchek J. Hemophilia B and free tissue transfer: Medical and surgical management. Ann Plast Surg 2005; 54: 336-8
- 4 Ozkan O, Chen HC, Mardini S, Cigna E, Hao SP, Hung KF. et al. Microvascular free tissue transfer in patients with hematological disorders. Plast Reconstr Surg 2006; 118: 936-44
- 5 Lee BK, Shim JS. A case of heel reconstruction with a reverse sural artery flap in a hemophilia B patient. Arch Plast Surg 2012; 39: 150-3
- 6 Drimmer MA, Demas C, Saidi P, Kim HC. Reconstructive plastic surgery in hemophiliacs. Plast Reconstr Surg 1988; 81: 91-3
- 7 Ahuja RB. Mechanics of movement for rotation flaps and a local flap template. Plast Reconstr Surg 1989; 83: 733-7
- 8 Johnson KA, Zhou ZY. Costs of care in hemophilia and possible implications of health care reform. Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program 2011; 2011: 413-8
- 9 Chehab N. A review of coagulation products used in the treatment of hemophilia. Cleve Clin.. 2002: V
- 10 Factor VIII Brands in India, 2011. Available from: http://www.Drugsupdate.com [Last accessed on 2017 May 02].
- 11 Roberts I, Prieto-Merino D, Manno D. Mechanism of action of tranexamic acid in bleeding trauma patients: An exploratory analysis of data from the CRASH-2 trial. Crit Care 2014; 18: 685
- 12 Kempton CL, Meeks SL. Toward optimal therapy for inhibitors in hemophilia. Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program 2014; 2014: 364-71
- 13 Powell JS. Recombinant factor VIII in the management of hemophilia A: Current use and future promise. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2009; 5: 391-402
Address for correspondence:
-
REFERENCES
- 1 ICMR Task Force. Collaborative Study on Hemophilia. New Delhi: Indian Council of Medical Research; 1990
- 2 White 2nd GC, Rosendaal F, Aledort LM, Lusher JM, Rothschild C, Ingerslev J. Factor VIII and Factor IX Subcommittee. Definitions in hemophilia. Recommendation of the Scientific Subcommittee on factor VIII and factor IX of the Scientific and Standardization Committee of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis. Thromb Haemost 2001; 85: 560
- 3 Knott PD, Khariwala SS, Minarchek J. Hemophilia B and free tissue transfer: Medical and surgical management. Ann Plast Surg 2005; 54: 336-8
- 4 Ozkan O, Chen HC, Mardini S, Cigna E, Hao SP, Hung KF. et al. Microvascular free tissue transfer in patients with hematological disorders. Plast Reconstr Surg 2006; 118: 936-44
- 5 Lee BK, Shim JS. A case of heel reconstruction with a reverse sural artery flap in a hemophilia B patient. Arch Plast Surg 2012; 39: 150-3
- 6 Drimmer MA, Demas C, Saidi P, Kim HC. Reconstructive plastic surgery in hemophiliacs. Plast Reconstr Surg 1988; 81: 91-3
- 7 Ahuja RB. Mechanics of movement for rotation flaps and a local flap template. Plast Reconstr Surg 1989; 83: 733-7
- 8 Johnson KA, Zhou ZY. Costs of care in hemophilia and possible implications of health care reform. Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program 2011; 2011: 413-8
- 9 Chehab N. A review of coagulation products used in the treatment of hemophilia. Cleve Clin.. 2002: V
- 10 Factor VIII Brands in India, 2011. Available from: http://www.Drugsupdate.com [Last accessed on 2017 May 02].
- 11 Roberts I, Prieto-Merino D, Manno D. Mechanism of action of tranexamic acid in bleeding trauma patients: An exploratory analysis of data from the CRASH-2 trial. Crit Care 2014; 18: 685
- 12 Kempton CL, Meeks SL. Toward optimal therapy for inhibitors in hemophilia. Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program 2014; 2014: 364-71
- 13 Powell JS. Recombinant factor VIII in the management of hemophilia A: Current use and future promise. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2009; 5: 391-402
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/10.1055-s-00042863/201702/thumbnails/10-4103-ijps-ijps_214_16_00213_01.jpg)
![Zoom Image](/products/assets/desktop/css/img/icon-figure-zoom.png)
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/10.1055-s-00042863/201702/thumbnails/10-4103-ijps-ijps_214_16_00213_02.jpg)
![Zoom Image](/products/assets/desktop/css/img/icon-figure-zoom.png)
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/10.1055-s-00042863/201702/thumbnails/10-4103-ijps-ijps_214_16_00213_03.jpg)
![Zoom Image](/products/assets/desktop/css/img/icon-figure-zoom.png)
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/10.1055-s-00042863/201702/thumbnails/10-4103-ijps-ijps_214_16_00213_04.jpg)
![Zoom Image](/products/assets/desktop/css/img/icon-figure-zoom.png)
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/10.1055-s-00042863/201702/thumbnails/10-4103-ijps-ijps_214_16_00213_05.jpg)
![Zoom Image](/products/assets/desktop/css/img/icon-figure-zoom.png)