Quality of Life and Viral Infections in Adults with Hemophilia*

Abstract

Objective: To check the occurrence of viral infections resulting from treatment with blood products and their impact on quality of life in the health of adult patients with hemophilia. Method: This is a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample conducted with an association of patients. Data collection took place in November and December 2015. The evaluation protocol used the application of the SF-36 questionnaire and a form to collect demographic and clinical data. Results: The participants were 49 adult patients with hemophilia, male, with an average age of 32±8.5 years old. They had a higher prevalence of hemophilia A in its severe form. Viral infections were more prevalent in those who had hemophilia when hepatitis C was the most frequent infection. Viral infections had a negative impact on quality of life in the “physical capacity,†“pain,†“general health†and “mental health.†The age of the participants who experienced viral infections resulting from treatment with blood transfusions were significantly higher than the uninfected participants. Conclusion: Viral infections resulting from treatment with blood products in hemophiliac patients have repercussions in a lower quality of life of patients with hemophilia. The infections were more frequent with increasing age, suggesting special attention to older patients. 

Keywords: Hemophilia A; Hemophilia B; Adult; Comorbidity; Hepatitis; HIV infections.