Management and outcomes of mild hemophiliacs and hemophilia carriers during pregnancy and peripartum period: a hemophilia treatment center experience in the United States

Abstract

Background

Pregnancy, peripartum management, and outcomes of mild hemophiliacs and hemophilia carriers in the United States are not well established.

Aim

To describe the management and outcomes of mild hemophiliacs and hemophilia carriers during assisted conception, pregnancy, peripartum and post-partum period at our hemophilia treatment center (HTC).

Methods

Retrospective review of electronic medical records of pregnant women with mild hemophilia A or B (Factor VIII [FVIII] or Factor IX [FIX] level <0.4 IU/mL) and hemophilia A and B carriers followed at our HTC from January 2008 to October 2020. Demographics, the reason for diagnosis, FVIII and FIX levels at baseline and third trimester, bleeding phenotype and genotype were obtained. Method of conception, factor replacement, iron supplementation, mode of delivery, type of anesthesia, peripartum complications, and offspring outcomes was recorded.

Results

There was a total of 18 pregnancies in 12 women (2 with mild hemophilia A, 2 mild hemophilia B, 6 hemophilia A carriers, and 2 hemophilia B carriers). Eleven pregnancies (61%) were conceived naturally and 7 (39%) via in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Eight (44.4%) and 10 (55.6%) pregnancies were vaginal and C-section deliveries, respectively. Neuraxial anesthesia was administered in 17 (94.4%) deliveries without complications. Four pregnancies (22.2%) had bleeding complications, 2 of which were post-partum hemorrhages not requiring transfusion.

Conclusion

In our case series of pregnant hemophilia carriers and mild hemophiliacs, successful outcomes were achieved with a carefully detailed multidisciplinary-driven approach.

Keywords:

• Hemophilia carriers
• pregnancy
• delivery
• peripartum
• hemostasis
• coagulation

Disclosure statement

The authors have no competing interests.

Author contributions

Dr. Hana I Lim collected and analyzed the data and wrote the manuscript. Dr. Maria T DeSancho designed the study, followed the patients, analyzed the data and wrote the manuscript.