Clinical profile of children with haemophilia at the University Hospital of Brazzaville

Abstract Introduction Haemophilia is a rare hereditary haemorrhagic disease caused by coagulation factor VIII (haemophilia A) or IX (haemophilia B) deficiency. Very few data exist on this disease in Congo. This survey aims to describe the epidemiological and clinical aspects of the children affected. Materials and methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in the haematology department of the Brazzaville University Hospital over a period of two years. Children (under 18 years of age) with haemophilia and with a factor VIII or IX level less than or equal to 30% were identified. The parameters analysed included age, diagnostic delay, type and severity of haemophilia, type and frequency of bleeding manifestations, complications and history of transfusion. Results Nineteen patients were identified with an average age at diagnosis of four years. The average time to diagnosis was six years, and the most frequent first known bleeding episode was haemorrhage during circumcision. Family history was found in 14 cases. There were 13 cases of haemophilia A and six cases of haemophilia B. Fourteen cases were severe haemophilia; no mild cases were identified. Haemorrhagic manifestations included haemarthrosis, haematomas and mucocutaneous haemorrhages. The average number of haemorrhagic episodes per year was 12. Haemophilic arthropathy was present at diagnosis in seven cases, with the main location being the knee. The average number of hospitalisations before diagnosis was two. Sixteen patients had been transfused at least once. Conclusion Although circumcision is the most frequent first known haemorrhagic manifestation of haemophilia in Congo, patients are often diagnosed late, sometimes with severe osteoarticular complications. Further measures are needed to help ensure early diagnosis and improve care.