Severe Hemophilia and Athletics

Pediatrics published a study on school aged boys with severe hemophilia A or B who were taking prophylactic factor replacement. Clinical baseline data was collected along with sports participation. Seventy three percent participated in high impact sports and 27% participated in low impact sports. Results indicated that the frequency of injuries or joint hemorrhages did not different significantly between high and low impact sports. Sixteen percent of the boys were overweight. The authors concluded young boys who are taking prophylaxis for hemophilia can participate in athletics with adult supervision and precautions in place.

Reference: Ross, Cassie, Goldenberg, Neil A., Hund, Dana, Manco-Johnson, Marilyn J.
Athletic Participation in Severe Hemophilia: Bleeding and Joint Outcomes in Children on Prophylaxis Pediatrics 2009 124: 1267-1272