BACKGROUND:

The goal of this study was to compare the validity of two laboratory assays, rotation thromboelastometry (ROTEM) and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), in monitoring and evaluating different prophylactic treatment regimens in patients with severe haemophilia.

METHODS:

Twenty adult patients with severe haemophilia were divided into three groups according to treatment regimen with concentrate of factor (F) VIII/IX: full-dose prophylaxis (5 patients), intermediate-dose prophylaxis (5 patients), and on demand treatment (10 patients).

RESULTS:

The ROTEM for the group treated with full-dose prophylaxis was significantly lower than ROTEM for the group treated with intermediate-dose prophylaxis (p = 0.025). Among the patients given full-dose prophylaxis, 40% (2 patients) had prolonged ROTEM after 3 months of treatment, while among those given intermediate-dose prophylaxis all patients (100%, 5 patients) had prolonged ROTEM (p = 0.038). The ETP was significantly improved after 3 months of full-dose in comparison with intermediate-dose prophylaxis (p = 0.042).

CONCLUSIONS:

ROTEM and ETP are useful laboratory assays for monitoring efficacy of different prophylaxis regimens with concentrate of FVIII/IX in patients with severe haemophilia, helping in making decisions regarding optimal dose-regimen prophylaxis.