States »WesPosted at: Apr 18 2021 2:22AM Need For Extra Care of Haemophilia Patient Amid Covid-19: Expert.
Pune, Apr 17 (UNI): India stands second in the number of hemophilia patients in the world, according to the World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH). As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, it is imperative to communicate clear messages to people with hemophilia and to seek the best avenue to provide them with care.
The long-term effects of the pandemic on patients with hemophilia can take weeks or months to manifest, and are likely to include clinical, as well as complex physical, psychological, and socio-affective aspects. The management of this crisis requires a joint effort by people with hemophilia, the health system, and patient associations. Healthcare professionals must be proactive and anticipate the potential impact of the pandemic on the population with hemophilia in order to minimize the consequences of this crisis, Dr Naresh Purohit. Executive Member - Association of Studies for Bleeding Disorders told UNI here.
On the occassion of World Haemophilia Day, WHO-Covid-19 Technical lead Dr Purohit stated that haemophilia is a inherited disorder. It happens because of a defect in one of the clotting factor genes on the X chromosome. The chronic bleeding condition tends to occur in males, since the gene can be passed from mother to son. Women can also be carriers of haemophilia, but they are unlikely to have the disorder.
Individuals of any age with blood disorders such as haemophilia disease are at an increased risk of developing serious COVID-19 symptoms.
According to Renowned physician Dr Purohit, individuals with chronic medical conditions, such as haemophilia, should take extra precautions to minimise the risk of getting COVID-19. They should take measures to keep their blood pressure in check and follow general guidelines. Patients should consult their healthcare providers if they show any COVID-19-like symptoms.
“Currently the world is going through the SARS COV-2 pandemic, the people with haemophilia need to understand that they are at increased risk of developing serious COVID-19 symptoms. They should stock up on necessary medications and supplies that can last for a few weeks and stay at home as much as possible, avoid crowds and non-essential travel." said Acclaimed Epidemiologist
Dr Purohit.
“Ideal replacement therapy is to replace the factor prophylactically, 2-3 times a week by commercially available recombinant or plasma-derived factor concentrates. Haemophilia is treated with replacement therapy, like to replace the missing factor. But due to cost restraints, most of the patients in developing country like India end up getting on-demand therapy, like factor concentrate is given only in case of active bleeding,” added Dr Purohit.
Federation of Hospital Adminstrator, Executive Member-Dr Purohit cautioned that the medical infrastructure in Maharashtra has shifted quickly towards managing second wave covid-19 patients, resulting in less emphasis on non-covid patients such as Hemophilia patients.The low disease awareness amongst patients and lack of accessibility to specialists are critical factors that make the Haemophilia patients furthermore vulnerable.
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