A new study suggests that children with hemophilia arthropathy, a severe form of hemophilia that causes joint pain and swelling, are more at risk than other children for developing osteoporosis in their later years.
But there is hope in preventing osteoporosis from hitting these children, say researchers. Hemophiliac children are now encouraged to do more impact activities than was previously advised by doctors. An exercise regimen that was once limited to low-impact sports like golf and swimming can now include more weight-bearing exercise. However, children with severe hemophilia still need to take extra precautions.19 children with severe hemophilia were studied . It was found that these children had reduced bone mineral density. The researchers recommend that children with hemophilia arthropathy have their BMD tested.
Researchers suggest that children can strengthen their bones by taking calcium and vitamin D supplements and can thus participate in supervised exercise training programs during periods where their blood is clotting well. Researchers believe that integrating these preventative measures will mean healthier, stronger bones for children with severe hemophilia.
