Home Transfusions of Hemophiliacs

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
We have had three years' experience with a home transfusion program for hemophiliacs. The group consisted of 36 patients, of which 32 had antihemophilic factor deficiency and 4 had plasma thromboplastin component deficiency. There were minimal technical problems and no serious transfusion reactions. Although there was an increase in the number of reported hemorrhages, there was a concomitant decrease in the number of hospital admissions. Of importance is the fact that there was a decrease in the number of severe orthopedic problems and days lost from school or work. Of equal importance was the psychological impact of home transfusion on patients and their families. This included a sense of self-reliance, an increase in mobility, and freedom from fear. The authors conclude that, until a prophylactic regimen is feasible, home transfusion is the treatment of choice for hemophilia.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: