Claude Negrier

Process-of-care studies participate in improving the efficiency of the care pathway for patient with haemophilia (CPPH) and rationalize the multidisciplinary management of patients. Our objective is to establish a current overview of the different actors involved in the management of patients with haemophilia and to provide an accurate description of the patient trajectory. This is a qualitative exploratory research based on interviews of the principal health professionals of four haemophilia services, between November 2019 and February 2020, in France. Mapping of the CPPH processes within the different institutions and/or services, as well as the rupture zones, were identified. Treatment delivery and biological analyses were carried out exclusively in healthcare institutions. The main liberal health professionals solicited were nurses, physiotherapists and general practitioner. Obstacles and barriers within the specialized service, with other hospital services and external hospital or private services, community health care providers et community environment and individual one was complex and multiples. Our research identified potential concerns that need to be addressed to improve future studies to identify influential elements. Similarly, other qualitative studies will have to be conducted on the perceptions and literacy of patients with haemophilia to develop a global interactive mapping of their trajectories.

Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector gene therapy has shown promise as a possible cure for hemophilia. However, immune responses directed against AAV vectors remain a hurdle to the broader use of this gene transfer platform. Both innate and adaptive immune responses can affect the safety and efficacy of AAV vector–mediated gene transfer in humans. These immune responses may be triggered by the viral capsid, the vector’s nucleic acid payload, or other vector contaminants or excipients, or by the transgene product encoded by the vector itself. Various preclinical and clinical strategies have been explored to overcome the issues of AAV vector immunogenicity and transgene-related immune responses. Although results of these strategies are encouraging, more efficient approaches are needed to deliver safe, predictable, and durable outcomes for people with hemophilia. In addition to durability, long-term follow-up of gene therapy trial participants will allow us to address potential safety concerns related to vector integration. Herein, we describe the challenges with current methodologies to deliver optimal outcomes for people with hemophilia who choose to undergo AAV vector gene therapy and the potential opportunities to improve on the results.

Background: For communities of people living with hemophilia and other genetic conditions, gene therapy could represent a paradigm shift in treatment strategies. As investigational therapeutic modalities such as gene therapy become more widely used and discussed, there is a critical need for all stakeholders to communicate using a lexicon that is intelligible, accurate, consistent, and representative of novel treatments. In doing so, expectations can be more carefully managed and potential risks, benefits, and limitations better understood. In recognition of this need, a first-ever study of gene therapy lexicon was conducted using established methods of market research and linguistic analysis.Methods: Ninety-four participants representing hematologists, nurses, caregivers, and people with hemophilia A, in six countries (US, UK, Spain, Germany, France, Italy) took part in a series of in-depth interviews, face-to-face focus groups, an advisory board meeting, and online group interviews to develop, refine, and test verbal, written, and pictorial language concepts through a three-phase iterative process. Sessions were conducted in local languages using detailed discussion guides. Feedback from participants was captured using real-time instant-response dial testing to measure moment-by-moment emotional responses to language stimuli. Semiquantitative analysis of the responses informed selection of preferred language concepts for final testing, and qualitative discussion explored preference rationale. Participants also completed polling and forced rank and choice written exercises.Results: Study feedback showed that the hemophilia community has preferences around consistent lexicon to describe hemophilia and its management. Expert linguistic analysis of feedback from the three phases enabled agreement of a consensus lexicon of vocabulary and an optimized summary narrative for talking about gene therapy amongst people affected by hemophilia A. Preferences were largely consistent across audiences and countries, although some country-specific recommendations were made. A representative summary phrase was agreed: “Gene therapy is being studied in clinical trials with the aim to allow the body to produce factor VIII protein on its own”.Conclusions: The use of preferred language across different stakeholders increases understanding and comfort during discussions of novel and complex therapeutic modalities such as gene therapy. Consistent use of community-informed lexicon minimizes miscommunication and facilitates informed decision-making regarding potential future treatment opportunities.

The current standard of care for treating people with haemophilia (PWH) in the developed world is prophylaxis with regular infusions of clotting factor concentrates. Gene therapy is being investigated as a new treatment paradigm for haemophilia and if approved would potentially eliminate the need for chronic, burdensome infusions. In recent years, shared decision making (SDM) has become increasingly common in patient care settings. SDM is a stepwise process that relies on reciprocal information sharing between the practitioner and patient, resulting in health care decisions stemming from the informed preferences of both parties. SDM represents a departure from the traditional, paternalistic clinical model where the practitioner drives the treatment decision and the patient passively defers to this decision. As the potential introduction of gene therapy in haemophilia may transform the current standard of care, and impact disease management and goals in unique ways, both practitioners and PWH may find their knowledge tested when considering the appropriate use of a novel technology. Therefore, it is incumbent upon haemophilia practitioners to foster an open, trusting, and supportive relationship with their patients, while PWH and their caregivers must be knowledgeable and feel empowered to participate in the decision making process to achieve truly shared treatment decisions.

Introduction: With current molecular diagnosis, about 1 to 5% of haemophilia A (HA) patients remain genetically unresolved. In these cases, deep intronic variation or structural variation disrupting the F8 gene could be causal.Aim: To identify the causal variation in four genetically unresolved mild‐to‐severe HA patients using an F8 mRNA analysis approach.Methods: Ectopic F8 mRNA analysis was performed in four unrelated HA patients. An in vitro minigene assay was performed in order to confirm the deleterious splicing impact of each variation identified.Results: In all probands, mRNA analysis revealed an aberrant splicing pattern, and sequencing of the corresponding intronic region found a deep intronic substitution. Two of these were new variations: c.2113+601G>A and c.1443+602A>G, while the c.143+1567A>G, found in two patients, has previously been reported. The c.1443+602A>G and the c.143+1567A>G variants both led to the creation of a de novo acceptor or donor splice site, respectively. Moreover, the c.143+1567A>G was found in 3/6 patients with genetically unresolved moderate HA registered in our laboratory. Haplotype analysis performed in all patients carrying the c.143+1567A>G variation suggests that this variation could be a recurrent variation. The c.2113+601G>A led to the exonization of a 122‐bp antisense AluY element by increasing the strength of a pre‐existing cryptic 5’ splice site. For each point variation, in vitro splicing analysis confirmed its deleterious impact on splicing of the F8 transcript.Conclusion: We identified three deep intronic variations, leading to an aberrant mRNA splicing process as HA causing variation.

Introduction: Recombinant FVIIa (rFVIIa) is widely used to manage bleeding risk during and after surgery in patients with haemophilia complicated by inhibitors. In the postoperative period, rFVIIa must be delivered frequently and regularly to maintain haemostasis, considering its short half‐life. Preparation and manual administration of bolus doses of rFVIIa at regular intervals may place a strain on available nursing resources. A programmable mini‐pump may offer an approach to facilitate regular administration of bolus doses of rFVIIa at specified intervals.Aim: To investigate if a mini‐pump is a practical and effective way to deliver rFVIIa in the postoperative period.Methods: It was first necessary to establish that rFVIIa remains stable and sterile in the mini‐pump reservoir for an extended period. Four days after loading the mini‐pump under sterile conditions no evidence of bacterial or fungal growth was observed and in vitro procoagulant activity of rFVIIa remained stable. The mini‐pump was used to deliver rFVIIa as bolus doses to two patients with inhibitors who had undergone surgery. Nurses were asked to report their satisfaction with the use of the mini‐pump using a specific questionnaire.Results: Haemostasis was evaluated as excellent in both cases; nurses were satisfied with use of the mini‐pump.Conclusion: This pilot study shows that intermittent delivery of rFVIIa at fixed intervals using an automated mini‐pump offers accurate and reliable administration in the postoperative setting. This approach may reduce burden on nursing staff, potentially minimize the risk of human error and avoid delay in administration of rFVIIa.

This article has a companion Point by Young.

Early joint damage in patients with haemarthrosis often escapes diagnosis because of insufficient investigation of biomechanical changes. Arthropathy in haemophilia requires complex assessment with several tools. Considering the increased emphasis on an integrated approach to musculoskeletal (MSK) outcomes, re-evaluation of MSK assessment to address individual patient needs is warranted. To advise on the optimal use of current assessment tools and strategies for tailored MSK evaluation in patients with haemophilia. A panel of experts in haemophilic arthropathy evaluated internationally recognized assessment tools through published literature and personal expertise. Each tool was considered, scored and ranked for their utility in the clinical assessment of MSK damage. Subsequently, a patient evaluation table detailing advice on type and frequency of assessments for different patient populations was constructed. To obtain a complete MSK assessment, multiple tools must be used to ensure each criterion is evaluated. For patients with haemophilia, clinical examination of the joint, disease-specific structure/function scores, and activity/participation scores including quality of life are important, and should be performed on a regular basis according to age and clinical condition. Joint imaging is recommended in the prevention, diagnosis and follow-up of haemophilic arthropathy and should be used in conjunction with joint structure and function scores. An integrated approach to MSK assessment using combinations of tools will allow earlier management of dysfunction and may improve long-term outcomes. This approach could be used in long-term follow-up of all patients independent of age and disease stage, especially in children to prevent arthropathy.