EVALUATION OF SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS AND COMORBIDITIES IN ADULT HEMOPHILIA PATIENTS

Purpose: The association between socio-demographic factors and hemophilia status with the prevalence of comorbidities was evaluated. Material and Methods: Patients with hemophilia A (n=111) and B (n=24) who completed the questionnaire form about their socio-demographic factors were included in our study. Factor and inhibitor levels, comorbidities, factor replacement therapies, hemophilic arthropathy, viral status and annual bleeding episodes were recorded. Results: The median age was 39 years among 135 hemophilia patients, and 63.1% of all patients had severe hemophilia, which was significantly higher among hemophilia A (p=0.002). Most patients (74.8%) were treated with prophylactic factor replacement therapy. The inhibitor status was positive in 8.9% of all patients. The unemployment rate was found to be 33.3%. Annual bleeding episodes were higher in workers. Most patients (60%) had graduated from at least high school. Patients with severe hemophilia were significantly less educated than those with moderate to mild hemophilia (p=0.045). The prevalence of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity was 6.7%; 17.8%, 13.3%, and 11.9% respectively. Although there was no association between obesity and annual bleeding episodes, right ankle was the most affected joint in overweight/obese patients. Conclusion: Age -related comorbidities and the relationship between hemophilia status and social life need further investigation.