Haemostatic action of a topical foam-based patch (VELSEAL-T) in haemophiliac patients with external bleeding

Abstract Introduction Haemophilia is an X-linked congenital bleeding disorder due to deficiency of coagulation factor VIII (in haemophilia A) or factor IX (in haemophilia B) caused by mutations of the respective clotting factor genes. Treatment involves the administration of an appropriate dose of factor concentrate, as soon as possible, in the event of any bleeding episode. In low-resource settings, such as Northeast India, where factor concentrates are not widely available, people with haemophilia (PwH) may bleed profusely even from trivial external injuries, warranting transfusion of blood or blood products. We previously reported on the use of a low cost, foam-based haemostatic patch to treat an external bleed in a single patient. In this study, we investigated its use to treat a range of external injuries in PwH presenting at Assam Medical College and Hospital. Method Over 24 months, eligible PwH with external injuries attending our haemophilia clinic were treated with a topical haemostatic patch (VELSEAL-T) at the target bleeding site. The time to cessation of bleeding was recorded and the wound sites evaluated after haemostasis to monitor efficacy and safety. Results Out of 72 individuals with bleeding disorders who volunteered to participate, 59 cases of external bleeding in 48 PwH were eligible for inclusion in the study. Nine (15.3%) had aberration wounds, 24 (40.7%) cut wounds, 21 (35.6%) tooth and/or gum bleeding and five (8.4%) bleeding from puncture wounds. The average time required for achievement of haemostasis was 9.9 (±4.7) minutes. Aberration wounds required the least amount of time for haemostasis at 7.3 (±4.4) minutes. Cut wounds required a mean time of 8.5 (±2.9) minutes; puncture wounds required 9.0 (±3.1) minutes; gum bleeding required the longest time to achieve haemostasis with a mean of 12.7 (±5.6) minutes. Conclusion The use of this topical haemostatic patch has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of external injuries in PwH, and provides a good treatment option in resource-constrained areas. A larger controlled study would be helpful to further investigate its efficacy and safety.