Health-related quality of life in rare bleeding disorders: results from the Rare Bleeding Disorders in the Netherlands study

Abstract

Background

Clinical bleeding phenotype varies substantially among patients with rare bleeding disorders (RBDs). Patient-reported outcomes may provide valuable insights into health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and disease burden.

Objectives

To evaluate HRQoL in patients with rare coagulation factor deficiencies and fibrinolytic disorders included in the nationwide, cross-sectional Rare Bleeding Disorders in the Netherlands (RBiN) study.

Methods

Bleeding scores (ie, the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Bleeding Assessment Tool [ISTH-BAT]) were assessed during a single study visit, and electronic questionnaires captured demographic and HRQoL data (36-item Short Form survey [SF-36], Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System, Profile 29 [PROMIS-29]). Only differences exceeding the minimally important difference were considered clinically relevant and reported.

Results

HRQoL data from 167 adults and 34 children were available. HRQoL of patients with RBDs measured by SF-36 was not significantly different compared to the Dutch reference population. PROMIS-29 scores indicated significantly better sleep, social participation, and pain-related outcomes in patients with RBDs than the reference populations. Subgroup analyses within the RBiN population showed worse physical health in patients with a severe bleeding phenotype than in those with a mild-to-moderate phenotype. Women with a history of heavy menstrual bleeding reported worse physical health and pain-related outcomes than those without. Patients reporting severe disease had worse pain interference and mental health scores (PROMIS-29) than those reporting nonsevere disease. ISTH-BAT scores were negatively associated with physical functioning.

Conclusions

Overall HRQoL in patients with RBDs was comparable to the Dutch reference population. Within the RBiN population, a history of heavy menstrual bleeding, clinical bleeding phenotype, patient-reported disease severity, and ISTH-BAT scores were associated with impaired HRQoL, reflecting disease burden in patients living with RBDs.