Needs Assessment

Hemophilia is a sex-linked genetic disorder characterized by the deficiency or absence of one of the clotting proteins in plasma. Severe deficiency results in spontaneous bleeding into the joints and recurrent bleeding which, in turn, leads to hemophilic arthropathy, disability, and reduced quality of life.¹ Currently, there is no known cure for hemophilia, so treatment goals include preventing bleeding, recognizing bleeding episodes, and providing prompt treatment and intervention to prevent complications.²
Clinical data spanning decades has demonstrated that prophylactic treatment of hemophilia, albeit much more expensive, is superior to on-demand treatment. Indeed, prophylaxis is now considered the gold standard for the treatment of severe hemophilia in childhood and adolescence, though its use in adulthood is more controversial.1 Benefits of prophylaxis include decreased emergency room visits and hospitalizations, decreased long-term morbidity, increased physical activity, improved academic performance, and increased quality of life.³
Recently, researchers have been developing new prophylactic strategies, identifying methods to promote adherence, and investigating the benefits of personalized prophylaxis regimens. Therefore, it is imperative for oncologists, hematologists, and other healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of patients with hemophilia to have access to the this recent information on prophylaxis management of the disease. The aim of this educational program is to provide access to the most up-to-date clinical data.

1. Makris M. Prophylaxis in haemophilia should be life-long. Blood Transfus. 2012; 10(2):165-168.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Introduction to Hemophilia Care. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hemophilia/course/page245.html. 2013.
3. Panicker J, Warrier I, Thomas R, et al. The overall effectiveness of prophylaxis in severe haemophilia. Haemophilia. 2003;9:272-278.

Accrediation Statement:

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of the Medical College of Wisconsin and Carden Jennings Publishing. The Medical College of Wisconsin is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation Statement:

The Medical College of Wisconsin designates this enduring material for a maximum of 3.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Commercial Support

This activity is supported by educational grant from Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals.

Off-Label/Investigational Use

This educational activity may contain discussion of published and/or investigational uses of agents that are not indicated by the FDA. The opinions expressed in the educational activity are those of the faculty and do not necessarily represent the views of the Medical College of Wisconsin, Carden Jennings Publishing, or Bayer.

Before prescribing any medication, physicians should consult primary references and full prescribing information. Please refer to the official prescribing information for each
product for discussion of approved indications, contraindications, and warnings. Further, participants should appraise the information presented critically and are  encouraged to consult appropriate resources for any product or device mentioned in this program.