Haemophilia and ageing

Abstract

Men with haemophilia have not only the challenges of living with HIV and/or HCV infection and premature arthritis as complications of their disorder, but they also confront the other ails of ageing. These include genitourinary problems such as prostatic hypertrophy, prostatic cancer and renal stone disease, and arterial disease for which haemophilia is not protective. Progressive arthritis and declining fitness may lead to loss of independence which causes great concern. Associated with the physical aspects of ageing, many patients also suffer from psychological symptoms which may be precipitated by changes in work such as early retirement and altered family dynamics. Many older men with haemophilia may never have consulted primary care physicians because of the rarity and complexity of their disorder. Haemophilia centre staff often assume responsibility for the identification and management of all health problems of their patients. Even when other clinicians are involved, patients require their centre's involvement in the investigation and support of many procedures such as coronary artery surgery and urological surgery. This paper addresses falls in the older man with haemophilia, their causes and consequences and cardiovascular problems in particular. Very little literature has been published about these common problems. We need to be aware of the ageing issues in haemophilia and develop 'wellness' programs which are directed to the early identification of disease as well as preventative strategies to reduce the physical and psychological impacts of ageing.