A wide range of factor VIII and IX levels is observed in heterozygous carriers of hemophilia as well as in noncarriers. In female carriers, extreme lyonization may lead to low clotting factor levels. We studied the effect of heterozygous hemophilia carriership on the occurrence of bleeding symptoms.

Summary.  Background: Clotting factor products have been safe for HIV since 1985, and for hepatitis C since 1992. Few studies have reported on mortality in the total population of hemophilia patients after the period of risk of viral infection transmission. Objectives: We studied the mortality, causes of death, and life expectancy of hemophilia patients between 1992 and 2001. We compared these findings with those of previous cohorts, together spanning the periods before, during, and after the use of potentially contaminated clotting products. Patients and methods: We performed a prospective cohort study among 967 patients with hemophilia A and B. Death rates, overall and cause‐specific, were compared with national mortality figures for males adjusted for age and calendar period as standardized mortality ratio (SMRs). Results: Between 1992 and 2001, 94 (9.7%) patients had died and two patients were lost to follow‐up (0.2%). Mortality was 2.3‐times higher in hemophilia patients than in the general male population (SMR 2.3 95% confidence interval 1.9–2.8). In patients with severe hemophilia, life expectancy decreased from 63 (1972–1985) to 59 years (1992–2001). Exclusion of virus‐related deaths resulted in a life expectancy at birth of 72 years. Conclusions: AIDS was the main cause of death (26%) and 22% of deaths were because of hepatitis C. In patients not affected by viral infections, there still appeared to be a trend toward a moderately increased mortality compared with the Dutch male population. Thus, mortality of patients with hemophilia is still increased; this is largely because of the consequences of viral infections.

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This patient guideline is intended for all patients at risk of or living with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is the most frequent chronic liver disease worldwide and comes with a high disease burden. Yet, there is a lot of unawareness. Furthermore, many aspects of the disease are still to be unravelled, which has an important impact on the information that is given (or not) to patients. Its management requires a close interaction between patients and their many healthcare providers. It is important for patients to develop a full understanding of NAFLD in order to enable them to take an active role in their disease management. This guide summarises the current knowledge relevant to NAFLD and its management. It has been developed by patients, patient representatives, clinicians and scientists and is based on current scientific recommendations, intended to support patients in making informed decisions.