Prophylaxis therapy has recently been widely introduced in patients of all ages with hemophilia. The arthropathy caused by joint bleeding or severe life-threatening bleeding can be prevented by the use of prophylaxis therapy. Many clinical trials to develop longer-acting coagulation factor products are being conducted worldwide. Although patients with hemophilia can live longer, and their QOL is improving rapidly, caring for elderly hemophilia patients has recently become a big problem. Comprehensive care, including the management of home infusions, rehabilitation, treatment of infectious diseases, caring for elderly patients, genetic diagnosis, genetic counseling and home health care is very important for patients with hemophilia. Because there are only a few large hemophilia centers in Japan, inequalities in access to healthcare for patients with hemophilia are a problem. Therefore a clinical pathway for the standard management of hemophilia healthcare is necessary. We newly developed a clinical pathway to promote efficient care concerning home infusions, education, evaluation of arthropathy and/or caring for elderly for hemophilia patients.
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