The national blueprint for 21st century data and specimen collection and observational cohort studies: NHLBI State of the Science Workshop on factor VIII inhibitors.

INTRODUCTION

A devastating complication of hemophilia A, the congenital deficiency of coagulation factor VIII (FVIII), therapy is the development of inhibitory antibodies (inhibitors) to infused FVIII concentrate affecting up to 30% of people with the most severe form of the disease. Although the number of patients affected by hemophilia A with inhibitors is small, the physical, emotional, financial, and public health impact is overwhelming to the patient, family, and medical system. To best serve this patient population, as well as enhance knowledge around this complication, a robust data and specimen collection strategy must be designed.

AIM

Working Group 2 (WG2) of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)- sponsored State of the Science (SOS) workshop on factor VIII inhibitors in 2018 was tasked with developing recommendations around the conduct of research, modeling efficient data and specimen collection, developing infrastructure support, establishing partnerships with all stakeholders, including international collaborators, addressing ethical issues, maximizing patient/family engagement and promoting training opportunities.

METHODS

A group with diverse expertise was assembled who reviewed the current state of data and specimen collection in patients with hemophilia and developed recommendations for the future.

RESULTS

Our results were presented at the SOS Workshop where additional feedback was gained.

CONCLUSION

Our charge and recommendations are summarized in this manuscript.