Novo Nordisk announces U.S. results of largest multinational psychosocial study of living with hemophilia

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. patient and caregiver results derived from the largest multinational psychosocial study of the hemophilia community are being presented at the National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF) 64^th Annual Meeting.  In total, four posters were accepted from the Hemophilia Experiences, Results and Opportunities (HERO) study, a comprehensive analysis of the experience of living with hemophilia.  One of the posters will be featured in an oral presentation at the meeting.

HERO examined the disorder's effect on interpersonal relationships, careers, access to care and quality of life. The HERO initiative aims to improve outcomes in hemophilia by calling for and enabling enhanced psychosocial support based on increased understanding and awareness of the issues.

"We worked with key physicians and advocacy groups to develop a comprehensive study that, for the first time, examines the impact of living with hemophilia on all aspects of a family's life, including interpersonal relationships, access to care, employment, and the quality of life," said Robert Gut, MD, PhD, VP Clinical Development & Medical Affairs Biopharmaceuticals, Novo Nordisk.

In the United States, 189 adults with hemophilia and 190 parents of children with hemophilia participated in the quantitative arm of the HERO research.¹  Highlights of the HERO study results include:

• Interpersonal Relationships – Both adults with hemophilia and parents of a child with the disorder report supportive relationships with partners, family, and friends.² 
• Employment – Despite physical disability experienced by adults with hemophilia and the challenges of caring for a child with the disorder, the majority of both groups have overcome these barriers to maintain employment. ¹ 
• Access to Care – The majority of adults with hemophilia and parents of a child with the disorder are satisfied with their medical care,³ but almost a quarter of the respondents report concerns about access to treatment due primarily to financial concerns. ³  Nearly 25% of participants also have difficulty accessing comprehensive care due to the distance to their local hemophilia treatment center.³ 
• Quality of Life – At the time of the assessment, 71% of adults with hemophilia reported experiencing moderate or extreme pain, or discomfort,⁴ and 92% reported that pain interfered with their daily life in the past month.⁴  Quality of life assessments were lower for older people (over 41 years of age) with hemophilia, those with inhibitors, or those with joint complications.⁴ 

"Despite living with a chronic disorder that is often associated with significant pain, the majority of study participants report strong relationships with family and friends, active employment, and satisfaction with their medical care," added Diane Nugent, MD, Medical Director of Children's Hospital of Orange County's Hematology and Blood & Donor Services and Chief of its Specialists Division of Hematology.  Dr Nugent is an advisor to the HERO study.  "While we've made numerous advances in our understanding of hemophilia, the HERO initiative helps us identify gaps in knowledge with much more comprehensive information straight from our patients and their caregivers."

"The HERO results reinforce the importance of the comprehensive care model for providing high-quality care to our community," said Val Bias, NHF CEO.  "We are pleased to have served as an advisor to Novo Nordisk in development of the study and to have invited individuals with hemophilia and their caregivers to participate.  We are excited to explore the results and implications with them and to partner in publishing the findings of this landmark research."

The U.S. results from the HERO study appear as posters (SPI 38, 41, 42 and 43) at the National Hemophilia Foundation 64^th Annual Meeting from November 8-10, 2012 at the Orlando Marriott World Center.

About the HERO study

HERO (Hemophilia Experiences, Results and Opportunities) is an international, multidisciplinary initiative led by the HERO International Advisory Board and supported by Novo Nordisk as part of its Changing Possibilities in Hemophilia® program.  

The HERO initiative is the largest multinational multimethod study of the psychosocial experience of people with hemophilia and consists of:

• An extensive literature review to assess the existing literature and establish gaps in knowledge, published in Haemophilia in 2011.
• Qualitative research among 150 people with hemophilia, parents, and healthcare professionals from 7 countries.
• Quantitative research among 1236 people (greater than or equal to 18 years of age) with hemophilia and parents of children with hemophilia (<18 years of age) from 10 countries.

About hemophilia

Hemophilia is a rare blood clotting disorder. Internal bleeding into the joints, muscles, and other tissues can cause severe pain, joint damage, and disability.  The worldwide incidence of hemophilia A is approximately one case per 5000 males, approximately 30% of whom have no family history.  Hemophilia B occurs in one case per 25,000 males and represents 20%–25% of all patients with hemophilia.  Globally, it is estimated that 400,000 people have hemophilia⁵; in the United States, it is estimated that 20,000 people have this disorder.⁶ 

About Novo Nordisk

Headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company with 89 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care. The company also has leading positions within hemophilia care, growth hormone therapy and hormone replacement therapy.  For more information, visit novonordisk.com.

About the National Hemophilia Foundation

The National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF) is dedicated to finding better treatments and cures for inheritable bleeding disorders and to preventing the complications of these disorders through education, advocacy and research. Established in 1948, NHF is based in New York City with 51 chapters throughout the United States. NHF's programs, initiatives and events are made possible through the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations as well as through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For more information, visit NHF online at www.hemophilia.org.

References

¹    Nugent D, Guelcher C, Forsyth A, et al.  Hemophilia Experiences, Results and Opportunities (HERO) study:  US respondent demographics and impact of diagnosis on career and lifestyle decisions.  Poster SPI 38.  Presented at National Hemophilia Foundation's 64^th Annual Meeting, Orlando, Fla.

²    Guelcher C, Rice M, Forsyth A, et al.  Hemophilia impacts interpersonal relationships, intimacy and family dynamics:  US results from the Hemophilia Experiences, Results and Opportunities (HERO) study.  Poster SPI 41.  Presented at National Hemophilia Foundation's 64^th Annual Meeting.

³   Nugent D, Guelcher C, Rice M, et al.  US results from the Hemophilia Experiences, Results and Opportunities (HERO) study affirm hemophilia treatment centers (HTCs) are central to hemophilia care, yet financial concerns and distance may limit access to treatment for some patients.  Poster SPI 43.  Presented at National Hemophilia Foundation's 64^th Annual Meeting, Orlando, Fla.

⁴    Forsyth A, Guelcher C, Nugent D, et al.  Hemophilia impacts quality of life (Q0L) in adults PWH at an early age, with pain a contributing factor:  US results from the Hemophilia Experiences, Results and Opportunities (HERO) Study.  Poster SPI 42.  Presented at National Hemophilia Foundation's 64^th Annual Meeting, Orlando, Fla.  

⁵    Srivastava A, Brewer AK, Mauser-Bunschoten, EP, et al.  Guidelines for the management of hemophilia.  Haemophilia (2012) 1-47.

⁶    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Facts.  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hemophilia/facts.html.  Accessed August 27, 2012.

SOURCE Novo Nordisk