Prevalence of and risk factors for cerebral microbleeds among adult patients with haemophilia A or B.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) represent clinically silent haemorrhagic events. Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) portend negative neurovascular and cognitive outcomes in the general population and are associated with cognitive impairment in persons with haemophilia (PWH). Prevalence, patterns, and risk factors for CMBs in PWH have not been directly compared to persons without coagulopathy.

AIM: To examine prevalence, patterns, and risk factors for CMBs in PWH vs normal controls.

METHODS: Adults with haemophilia A or B and haemostatically normal controls were recruited. Subjects were excluded if taking an antithrombotic agent other than low-dose aspirin (<100 mg). All subjects underwent T2*MRI of the brain; scans were reviewed independently by two neuroradiologists blinded to subject group to determine the presence of CMBs.

RESULTS: We recruited 31 PWH and 32 controls. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection were more prevalent in PWH; smoking was more common among controls. Cardiovascular (CV) risk factors were similar between groups. Prevalence of CMBs was 35% in PWH and 25% in controls (P = .42). Among PWH, advanced age, history of HCV infection, and CV risk factors were associated with CMBs. Multiple and large (>5 mm) CMBs were seen only in PWH.

CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are common in adults with haemophilia, but not clearly more prevalent than in haemostatically normal controls. In PWH, older age, HCV infection, CV risk factors, and the presence of an inhibitor were associated with CMBs. Large CMBs and multiple CMBs may be more prevalent in PWH than in the general population. The clinical impact of CMBs in PWH requires further study.