Bleeding symptoms in persons with rare bleeding disorders and a heterozygous genotype: data from the Rare Bleeding Disorders in the Netherlands study

Sterre P E Willems, Marjon H Cnossen, Nick van Es, Paul L den Exter, Ilmar C Kruis, Dominique P M S M Maas, Karina Meijer, Laurens Nieuwenhuizen, Sanna Rijpma, Joline L Saes, Annet Simons, Roger E G Schutgens, Marjan Weiss, Nicole M A Blijlevens, Waander L van Heerde, Saskia E M Schols*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist on persons with rare bleeding disorders possessing a heterozygous genotype, as most studies focus on biallelic genotypes and more severe coagulation factor deficiencies. A growing body of evidence suggests that persons with a heterozygous genotype experience clinically relevant bleeding symptoms.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the incidence of bleeding symptoms and postoperative bleeding in persons with a heterozygous genotype.

METHODS: This cross-sectional substudy of the Rare Bleeding Disorders in the Netherlands study (2017-2019) included persons with rare coagulation factor deficiencies and disorders of fibrinolysis with a heterozygous or biallelic genotype. Clinical data and laboratory samples were collected during a single study visit along with questionnaires.

RESULTS: In total, 86 persons with a heterozygous genotype and 55 with a biallelic genotype were included. Median factor activity levels in persons with a heterozygous genotype approached 50% with considerable heterogeneity (range, 11%-93%). In 75%, persons with a heterozygous genotype reported bleeding severity of grade II or III. Female-specific bleeding was common. In total, 425 surgical procedures were performed. Persons with a heterozygous genotype were less likely to receive periprocedural treatment, and omission of periprocedural treatment was associated with postoperative bleeding in procedures with intermediate-high bleeding risk. Postoperative bleeding was comparable for persons with a heterozygous genotype (35%; 59/171) and a biallelic genotype (35%; 86/247; P = .926).

CONCLUSION: In our population with rare bleeding disorders, the majority of persons possessing a heterozygous genotype exhibited spontaneous bleeding symptoms. Especially in intermediate-high risk procedures, a proactive approach to periprocedural hemostatic treatment in persons with a heterozygous genotype seems beneficial.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1787-1799
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of thrombosis and haemostasis : JTH
Volume23
Issue number6
Early online date6 Mar 2025
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2025

Keywords

  • blood coagulation disorders
  • fibrinolysis
  • genotype
  • hemostasis
  • heterozygote
  • inherited

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