Diagnostic and therapeutic status of haemophilia in Latin America

The Latin American net of Prophylaxis and Immune Tolerance (RED LAPI) was established in 2010 and comprises a group of physicians dedicated to improving the diagnosis, treatment and quality of life of haemophilia patients in Latin America. The countries represented at RED LAPI are: Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Honduras, Guatemala, Paraguay, Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Ecuador and Panama. Analysis of the provision of care for haemophilia patients suggests a lack of consistent care both across and within Latin America countries. While some patients receive prophylaxis and immune tolerance induction (ITI), others are not even properly diagnosed, due to variation in patient’s health insurance. Few countries in Latin America have a national program that registers all patients’ information. Therefore, in many countries it is difficult to identify local, regional and national data regarding the number of diagnosed patients, type of hemophilia, severity, and the kind of treatment. With respect to patients with inhibitors, some countries rely on bypass agents for the treatment of bleeding episodes while a few are able to do ITI. This paper summarises available data obtained by a survey of RED LAPI members regarding the diagnosis and treatment of haemophilia in their countries, as well as the incidence of inhibitors and the treatments available to patients. Based on this analysis, the aim is to propose plans to improve the current situation of haemophilia patients in Latin America.