Iliopsoas haemorrhage complicated by femoral neuropathy in patients with haemophilia: a case series report

Abstract

Objectives: The study aimed to determine the incidence of femoral neuropathy in patients with haemophilia exhibiting iliopsoas haemorrhage. Methods: Patients with iliopsoas haemorrhage confirmed by ultrasonography or CT scan were studied retrospectively. Results: A total of 44 episodes of iliopsoas haemorrhage occurred in 20 patients with haemophilia (A17, B3). Most episodes in patients without inhibitors (14/16 = 87.5%) were adequately treated followed by prophylaxis. However, 11 of 28 episodes (39.3%) in patients with inhibitors were adequately treated and no prophylaxis was provided. An appropriate rehabilitation programme was arranged during hospitalisation and follow-up. Femoral neuropathy was observed in 28 of 44 episodes, while 16 episodes of persistent femoral neuropathy from previous bleeding were excluded. As a result, 11 of 28 episodes (39.3%) of femoral neuropathy were similarly found amongst patients with and without inhibitors. The mean time of onset and resolution of femoral neuropathy were 3.7 (1.8) and 23.4 (20.5) days after the onset of iliopsoas haemorrhage, respectively. Patients receiving inadequate and delayed replacement had a significantly higher rate of femoral neuropathy than those who received adequate and prompt replacement. Conclusion: Femoral neuropathy following iliopsoas haemorrhage was common in haemophilia patients with and without inhibitors.