The role of the laboratory in diagnosis and management of inhibitory antibodies in haemophilia

Abstract

The treatment of patients with haemophilia A has remarkably improved over the years and the journey to a potential cure continues. Replacement therapy has been the cornerstone of treatment, and, despite major advances, the development of neutralizing antibodies, eg inhibitors, has thus far not been possible to avoid. How, and to what extent, the new non-factor-based options will modify treatment strategy and inhibitor risk is unclear and it is essential that every haemophilia treatment centre is linked to an educated and skilled laboratory performing the relevant inhibitor assays. The current review will focus on when to consider and how to perform inhibitor assay(s) in the management of patients with haemophilia A.

Keywords: haemophilia; inhibitors; laboratory; methods.