Cardiac surgery in patients with Hemophilia:is it safe?

Abstract

Abstract Background The life expectancy of hemophiliacs is similar to that of the general population. As a result, the prevalence of age-related cardiovascular diseases has increased. We present our experience with hemophilia patients who underwent cardiac surgery in our Medical Center between 2004 and 2019. Methods All hemophilia patients who underwent cardiac surgery were identified, and their peri-operative data evaluated retrospectively. Results Ten patients were identified: six with hemophilia-A, one with hemophilia-B, and three with hemophilia-C (factor XI deficiency). Cardiac procedures included ten coronary artery bypass grafts and one aortic valve replacement. Hemophilia-A and B patients were treated with factor substitution, whereas patients with factor XI deficiency were treated with fresh frozen plasma. One patient died, and one patient suffered from non-active gastrointestinal bleeding. Conclusions While major cardiac surgery can be performed safely on patients with hemophilia, a multidisciplinary team approach and strict postoperative monitoring are essential in order to achieve optimal results.