Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Complications among Hemophilia Patients as Seen inTikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital.
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Date
2025
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Addis Ababa Uinverstiy
Abstract
Background: Hemophilia is an X‑linked bleeding disorder caused by deficiency of factor VIII (Hemophilia A) or factor IX (Hemophilia B). Repeated bleeding into joints and muscles leads to musculoskeletal complications, accounting for 70–80% of hemorrhagic episodes. There is no local data showing musculoskeletal complications in Ethiopia. Methods: A descriptive cross‑sectional study was conducted among 149 male hemophilia patients attending Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. Data were collected through structured interviews, physical examination, and review of hematology clinic records and recorded using Cobo toolbox. Statistical analysis was performed using Statisty application, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Musculoskeletal complications were identified in 83.9% of patients, including hematomas (91.3%), pseudotumor (9.4%), muscle atrophy (36.2%), joint swelling (65.1%), loss of range of motion (57.0%) and joint instability (16.8%). Pain was reported by 79.9%, most commonly in the knees (80.7%), followed by elbows (34.5%) and ankles (22.7%). Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between factor level ( p< 0 .01) and treatment modality ( p<0.001) with musculoskeletal complications, while age of the patient, age at diagnosis of hemophilia, and hemophilia type were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Most of patients (83.9%) have musculoskeletal complications among hemophilia patients in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, with knees disproportionately affected. The
treatment modality (p < 0.001) and factor level(p < 0.01) are significantly associated with musculoskeletal complications among hemophilia patients.
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Keywords
Arthropathy, hemophilia A, hemophilia B, musculoskeletal complications