Haemophilia home therapy.

Within the past 20 years, home therapy has become an accepted treatment for the majority of people with severe haemophilia in the developed world. The intravenous administration of blood products by suitably trained patients or their relatives has proved to be safe and effective. It allows for the early treatment of bleeding episodes before the appearance of physical signs. It results in reduced morbidity, especially in terms of reduction in long-term arthropathy, and in reduced socio-economic handicap. It is cost effective both in terms of savings in time previously lost from school or work and reduction of reliance on expensive hospital facilities. Home therapy forms a vital part of the overall comprehensive care of people with haemophilia and their families.