An Update on the Dental Management of Children with Haemophilia

Prim Dent J. 2021 Dec;10(4):45-51. doi: 10.1177/20501684211066241.

Abstract

Children with haemophilia present a bleeding risk and a challenge for dentists. Guidelines on the dental management of haemophilia patients are largely based on expert consensus. Many existing guidelines also provide generic guidance mainly for adult patients, which have been adapted for children. However, children have unique needs that require additional considerations. With limited evidence available, it is important that dentists have an understanding of the principles of both medical and dental management and have a close collaboration with the haematologist at all times. Therefore, this paper provides some key principles related to various aspects of dental management of children with haemophilia. Furthermore, there has been a recent update to the World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH) Guidelines for the Management of Haemophilia,1 with references to novel medical therapies for haemophilia. Hence, this paper also aims to inform dentists with the standard and newer medical therapies for haemophilia, including a specific focus on the novel agent Emicizumab and the associated dental considerations.

Keywords: Dental management; Emicizumab; haemophilia; novel therapies.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Dental Care
  • Hemophilia A* / complications
  • Humans