ATHN 3: Radionuclide Synovectomy/Synoviorthesis (RS) in Patients With Bleeding Disorders: A Review of Outcomes and Adverse Events in the ATHNdataset

Radionuclide synvectomy (RS) is a procedure that has been used for many years in the bleeding disorder community. ATHN 3 study analyzes data in the ATHNdataset to better understand the usage, complications and risks associated with the procedure.

Radionuclide synovectomy/synoviorthesis has been used to treat synovitis in persons with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders through the instillation of radio-pharmaceuticals into the affected joint. However, safety concerns have been raised due to exposure to ionizing radiation. Worldwide, 3 cases of malignancy (2 acute leukemia and 1 Ewing sarcoma) and 1 case of severe aplastic anemia have been reported since 2002 in pediatric patients with bleeding disorders who have undergone the procedure. These reports prompted The Medical and Scientific Advisory Council of the National Hemophilia Foundation to issue guidance in 2006 on the use of this procedure as well as a Med Watch warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Some centers stopped performing the procedure.

Prior to the ATHNdataset, no nationwide dataset existed to track the numbers of procedures performed in the U.S. or the safety of this procedure. A side benefit is learning where these procedures can still be obtained.