Osteoporosis in hemophilia: what is its importance in clinical practice?

INTRODUCTION

The relationship between severe hemophilia and osteoporosis has been well established in the literature. However, although the importance of its prevention in order to reduce the risk of bone fractures has been reported, the importance of its treatment in clinical practice has not been well analyzed.

AREAS COVERED

In this paper, a review of the available clinical and experimental information on osteoporosis in hemophilia has been performed, to better understand the relationship between hemophilia and osteoporosis. Prevention of osteoporosis in hemophilia should include primary hematological prophylaxis; a diet appropriate in calcium and vitamin D; a regular exercise program that includes aerobics, strength training and balance and flexibility activities; restriction of tobacco and alcohol use; and limitation of the duration of immobilization.

EXPERT OPINION

Prevention of osteoporosis in hemophilic patients is paramount. However, it is noteworthy that there is only one publication on the treatment of osteoporosis in patients with hemophilia. Until further research is done on this topic, the existing recommendations for non-hemophilic patients should be followed. They include the use of antiresorptives (estrogens, selective estrogen receptor modulators, bisphosphonates, denosumab) and anabolic agents (teriparatide, abaloparatide, romosozumab). Further studies on the management of osteoporosis in patients with hemophilia are required.