Primary prophylaxis is factor treatments on a regular schedule in order to reduce or prevent joint disease. It is usually started in young children before repeated joint bleeding occurs, and treatment continues indefinitely. The parents discuss their concerns about future joint damage with their hematologist. They decide to start primary prophylaxis. Their son is started on infusions of factor VIII three times a week.
Secondary prophylaxis is the regular infusion of factor for a defined period of time.
Secondary prophylaxis is used for children and adults and is usually short term. Each time he plays, he develops bleeds in his right knee. He is placed on infusions of factor IX twice a week during basketball season. This method of treatment does mean that factor needs to be infused into the vein two or three times a week. If your child has veins that are easy to find, you may be able to do needle sticks in the arm or hand.