Trauma in a Hemophiliac

This case is written by Dr. Donika Orlich. She is a PGY5 Emergency Medicine resident at McMaster University who also completed a fellowship in Simulation and Medical Education last year.

Why it Matters

While Emergency physicians certainly see their fair share of trauma, managing a patient with hemophilia is quite infrequent. This case highlights some key management points, including:

The importance of administering early Factor VIII replacement
The need to monitor for delayed intra-cranial hemorrhage
The importance of determining capacity when a head-injured patient becomes agitated

Clinical Vignette

You are working in a level three trauma centre and are told that EMS just arrived from an MVC involving a 16-year-old female passenger who has known hemophilia. Vitals are stable. She has a laceration to her arm, and a bruise on her head, but has GCS 15 and only complains of arm pain.

Case Summary

A 16-year-old female presents following an MVC. Past medical history is significant for hemophilia A. She has a laceration on her arm and a bruise on her forehead, but denies HA/N/V. The learner should recognize high potential for bleeding, and implement immediate treatment with rVIII replacement, along with pan-CT imaging. The CT head will show a small ICH. The patient wants to leave AMA following normal CT results, and the learner must preform a capacity assessment and outline a plan of action for the incompetent patient. The patient should be sedated and/or intubated anticipating decline using neuroprotective measures. Consults should be made to the ICU and hematology.