Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are haemosiderin deposits, resulting from the leakage of erythrocytes from small cerebral vessels, which can be detected noninvasively using susceptibility-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. CMBs are commonly observed in daily practice: their prevalence range from five percent in healthy individuals over 65 years old to 50% in patients with a history of stroke. CMBs are associated with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and also cognitive impairment and dementia. The pathophysiology of CMBs is thought to primarily involve damage to brain microvasculature but the exact underlying cascade of events, including a potential role for haemostasis, has yet to be elucidated. Haemostatic defects (congenital or acquired) may contribute to an increased number and importance of CMBs. Congenital bleeding disorders such as haemophilia or von Willebrand disease (vWD), populations at high risk of ICH, are unique conditions that may give us further insights into a potential role of haemostatic defects in the pathophysiology of CMBs. CMBs might be the missing link between severe haemostatic defects, ICH risk and cognitive function. We hypothesized that severe congenital haemostatic defects could contribute to an increased prevalence and number of CMBs, with an impact on cognition in adulthood.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
200
Patients with a moderate to severe form of congenital haemophilia A or B or a severe form of von Willebrand disease will be consecutively recruited in the study during a routine follow-up visit at the Haemostasis and Transfusion Department of the Lille University Hospital.
The rate of patients with at least one CMB on 3-Tesla brain MRI (using specific sequences dedicated to the detection of CMBs).
Time frame: Within 3 Months after inclusion
Number and anatomical location (deep/lobar) of CMBs on 3-Tesla brain MRI
Time frame: Within 3 Months after inclusion
Multi-domain cognitive performances assessed by standardized scales as follows
\- MoCA
Time frame: Within 3 Months after inclusion
Multi-domain cognitive performances assessed by standardized scales as follows
Memory: The free and cued selective reminding test (FCSRT, French version) ; The Wechsler digit span task will be used to examine verbal short term and working memory.
Time frame: Within 3 Months after inclusion
Multi-domain cognitive performances assessed by standardized scales as follows
\- Processing speed and attention: digit symbol coding subtest of WAIS 4; the Continuous Performance Test (third edition, CPT3).
Time frame: Within 3 Months after inclusion
Multi-domain cognitive performances assessed by standardized scales as follows
\- Executive function: The categorical and literal fluency test and the Trail-Making Test (TMT).
Time frame: Within 3 Months after inclusion
Multi-domain cognitive performances assessed by standardized scales as follows
\- Social cognition: MINI-SEA)
Time frame: Within 3 Months after inclusion
Multi-domain cognitive performances assessed by standardized scales as follows
\- Depression: CES-D
Time frame: Within 3 Months after inclusion
Multi-domain cognitive performances assessed by standardized scales as follows
\- Anxiety: HAM-A
Time frame: Within 3 Months after inclusion
Multi-domain cognitive performances assessed by standardized scales as follows
\- Fatigue: The Chalder Fatigue Scale
Time frame: Within 3 Months after inclusion
Multi-domain cognitive performances assessed by standardized scales as follows
\- Sleepiness and the impact of sleep disorders: The Epworth Sleepiness Scale
Time frame: Within 3 Months after inclusion
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.