Frequency of inhibitors in people living with heamophilia in cameroon

Date Approved: 30 April 2013

Student Information

Student Marie Pauline Ngo Balôgôg

Supervisor Information

Supervisor Dora MBANYA

Academic Information

Degree Master's of clinical biology (Master's)
University The University of Yaoundé I
Department Microbiology, parasitology, haematology and infectious diseases
Discipline haematology; haemostasis; immunology

Abstract

Introduction / Aim
Hemophilia is a reality in Cameroon were more than 100 patients are registered and followed-up in the Yaoundé Hemophilia treatment center.
We conducted a cross sectional study in patient living with hemophilia in that setting in order to determine the frequency of Factor VIII and IX specific inhibitors and the factors associated their presence.

Methods
From May to December 2012, venous blood samples of hemophiliac patients undergoing replacement therapy were collected in tubes containing 0.109 M (3.2%) trisodium citrate. Inhibitors were screened by APTT based method using 50:50 patients' plasma mixed with normal plasma incubated together for 2 hours at 37°C. Quantitative assay was carried out to measure Bethesda units (BU) with the Bethesda Nijmegen Assay. Samples were labeled as low titer inhibitor when less than 5 BU were detected.

Results
A total of 42 patients were tested among which 4 had haemophilia B while 38 had hemophilia A. Eight patients (19%) were found to have positive Bethesda test. The mean age of patients with inhibitors was 9,2+6years (2-18). Two of them were high responders (25%). the frequency of inhibitors was higher in severe hemophiliac patients.

Conclusion
The frequency of inhibitors in hemophiliac patient undergoing replacement therapy is high in Cameroon. Severity of disease was found to be the main contributing factor in patients who developed inhibitors.

Subject & Coverage

Subject inhibitors, haemophilia, coagulation factor concentrates
Geographic Coverage Cameroon
Chronological Coverage six months: from may 2012 to december 2012
Sample Coverage Convenient sampling; 42 patients included
Methodology cross sectional study