Concomitant use of bypassing agents with emicizumab for people with haemophilia A and inhibitors undergoing surgery

Abstract

Introduction: Surgery in people with haemophilia and factor VIII inhibitors is typically managed with perioperative administration of haemostatic agents to prevent or control the occurrence of bleeding events. Practical experience of surgery in patients with inhibitors who are receiving treatment with emicizumab is growing; however, the novelty of the situation means that standardised guidelines are lacking with regard to the concomitant administration of haemostatic agents, including dose and laboratory monitoring.

Aim: To review approaches to haemostatic management during major and minor invasive procedures in patients with haemophilia A and inhibitors, and to provide recommendations for controlling bleeding events.

Methods: A search was conducted, limited to the past 4 years (January 2016-April 2020), pertaining to published evidence of surgery for patients receiving emicizumab. Publications identified from the search were manually reviewed to determine studies and case reports relevant for inclusion.

Results: Identified literature and practical experience of the authors were used to build a consensus of practical recommendations for the concomitant administration of haemostatic agents during the perioperative period for elective surgery in patients with inhibitors who are receiving emicizumab.

Conclusions: The current evidence base indicates that surgery can be successfully performed in patients with inhibitors who are receiving emicizumab and that bypassing agents can be used concomitantly. Data from prospective studies are required to further support recommendations for haemostatic management of surgery in patients receiving emicizumab.

Keywords: FVIII inhibitors; bypassing agents; emicizumab; haemophilia A; monitoring; surgery.