Clinical Profile and Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Hemophilians Followed at University Clinics of Kinshasa

Abstract

<i>Background:</i> Hemophilia is a congenital, inherited bleeding disorder that prevents blood from clotting, causing abnormally long bleeding. It remains underdiagnosed in Africa and particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where it remains poorly known to the population and health professionals. The present study aims to determine the clinical profile and cardiovascular risk factors in hemophiliacs at the University Clinics of Kinshasa. <i>Methods</i>: This is a cross-sectional study with an analytical aim, in which 155 patients (children and adults) with a haemorrhagic syndrome were included. The diagnosis of haemophilia was confirmed in thirty-six patients, all male; 22 hemophiliac patients regularly followed were matched with 24 non-hemophilic patients (control group). <i>Results</i>: hemophilia A represented 81% and hemophilia B 19%. The most represented age group was between 3 to 6 years (19%). Regarding the severity of the disease, half of the patients, or 50%, presented with severe hemophilia, the main symptom being hemarthrosis (30%). Of our total sample of hemophiliacs, we had recorded two cases of death (5.5%). Regarding cardiovascular risk factors, only the deterioration of myocardial function was found in one patient (4.5%). <i>Conclusion</i>: hemophilia is a disabling disease, which alters the quality of life of patients. Cardiovascular risk factors seem to be lower in Congolese hemophiliacs, however, ultrasound monitoring is necessary in order to prevent any pejorative evolution.