ISSN 2347-954X (Print) Functional Independence Score in Hemophiliacs and Factors affecting it

Abstract: Haemophilia is rare genetic disorder commonly affecting males with spontaneous bleeding. Recurrent joint bleed or hemarthrosis is very common in such patient. Chronic arthropathy sets in over a period of time leading to severe restriction of joint movements. In this study we have assessed the joint status of haemophilia patients using a tool called FISH -functional independence score in haemophilia patients, which is a performance based assessment tool. In this cross sectional study we have studied 58 subjects for 8 activities under 3 categories -self-care (eating and grooming, bathing and dressing), transfers (chair transfer and squatting) and locomotion (walking, stair climbing and running). Each activity was scored from 1 to 4 according to the level of assistance required. As a whole the mean age of patients were 28, mean FISH score was 26 lowest FISH score was for squatting, and stair climbing, Knee joint was the commonly involved joint. Presence of co-morbidities, ageing, and low I.Q and multi joint involvement significantly lowered FISH score, whereas bleeding episodes, severity, physiotherapy and distance travelled for treatment did not affect the score. This study gave insight into joint status of haemophilic patients, and the factors influencing their functionality