Effectiveness of Psychological Interventions in Haemophilia

22 (People with Haemophilia) PWH will be included in each group (Hypnosis, CBT and control-no intervention) (total=66). Sample size was calculated using G*Power 3.1.4 and considering the following assumptions: to perform a one-way ANOVA with fixed effects, a large effect size (f =0.4), a significance level (α - type I error) of 0.05 and a statistical power (1-β - type II error) of 0.80.

The patients will be approached by clinicians of the Immunohaemotherapy Department and the psychologists for the explanation of the study, confidentiality and voluntary nature of participation. Patients who agree to participate will be asked to read and sign the Informed Consent document. Afterwards, the first assessment moment will take place in order to get a baseline assessment of each patient (T0: pre-test). Subsequently, the blind randomization to one of the 3 conditions will occur and the 4 individual intervention sessions will be scheduled, occurring in a weekly basis (90 minutes per session).

The post-test assessment (T1) takes place one week after the last intervention session (in the 5th week), and the follow-up assessments (T2, T3 and T4) will occur subsequently at 3 months, 6 months and one year post-intervention.

A physiological assessment will be performed at T1, T2 and T4. This will be performed through the collection of blood samples in order to achieve a systemic evaluation of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. A CBC (Complete Blood Count) with White Blood Count and C Reactive Protein (CRP) analysis will also be performed. Upon arrival at the Immunohaemotherapy Department (between 9:30 am and 1:30 pm), patients will undergo sample blood collection and EDTA-samples will be transported immediately to the lab.

In the lab, blood samples are centrifuged 15 minutes at 3.000 rpm, and plasma aliquoted and stored in a freezer at -80 ºC, until further analysis. Plasma levels of cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10) are assayed in duplicate using ultra-sensitive multiplex human ELISA kits (Life Technologies®).

Functional Assessment of the joints will be performed through the Gilbert (based on clinical evaluation) and Pettersson Scores (based on X-ray and ultrasonography).

All study procedures will comply with the applicable ethical guidelines.

Inclusion criteria

• Mild pr severe Haemophilia A or B
• Age of 18 or older
• Ability to write and read

Exclusion criteria

• Other comorbid life threatening diseases, such as cancer
• Neurological or psychiatric deficits
• Acquired Haemophilia