Does hemophilia protect against atherosclerosis? A case-control study

Clin Appl Thromb Hemost. 2006 Apr;12(2):193-8. doi: 10.1177/107602960601200207.

Abstract

Whether carriers of hemophilia are protected against the development of atherosclerosis is controversial. In a case-control study, the presence of atherosclerosis was assessed and quantified with echo-color Doppler of all explorable arterial districts in 50 carriers of hemophilia and in 50 age-matched control individuals. All participants submitted to echo-color Doppler of carotid and femoral axis, of brachial arteries, and of the abdominal aorta. The presence and grade of atherosclerotic plaques were assessed, as well as the intima-media thickness (IMT). At least one atherosclerotic plaque was found in six cases (12.0%) versus 15 controls (30.0%); referring to the total number of plaques, 30% of them were evaluated in patients affected by decreased coagulation while 70% in subjects with normal levels of FVIII. In all the examined districts, the mean IMT was significantly lower in patients with hemophilia than in controls. Hemophilia protects against asymptomatic atherosclerosis.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arteries / diagnostic imaging
  • Atherosclerosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Atherosclerosis / epidemiology*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Comorbidity
  • Echocardiography, Doppler, Color
  • Factor VIII / analysis
  • Factor VIII / physiology
  • Hemophilia A / complications
  • Hemophilia A / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Factor VIII