Hemophilia

Hemophilia is a rare bleeding disorder caused by insufficient clotting factors in the blood. Here are some key points about hemophilia:

1. Definition: Hemophilia is characterized by prolonged bleeding after injuries or surgeries due to a deficiency in clotting proteins (clotting factors).
2. Symptoms:
   • Unexplained, excessive, or easy bleeding
   • Joint pain and swelling
   • Blood in urine or stool
   • Large and deep bruises
   • Frequent nosebleeds
   • Bleeding gums
   • Irritability (especially in children)
3. Causes:
   • Hemophilia is an inherited genetic condition caused by a defect in the gene responsible for producing clotting factors VIII, IX, or XI.
   • These genes are located on the X chromosome, making hemophilia an X-linked recessive disease.
4. Complications:
   • If left untreated, hemophilia can lead to:
     • Deep internal bleeding
     • Joint damage
     • Infection resulting from transfusion of contaminated blood products
     • Adverse reactions to clotting factor treatment due to immune responses.
5. Diagnosis:
   • Tests include:
     • Complete blood count (CBC) to check hemoglobin and platelet count.
     • Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) to assess bleeding time.
     • Prothrombin time (PT) to evaluate prothrombin time.
     • Clotting factor tests to measure levels of clotting factors VIII, IX, and XI.
6. Treatment Options:
   • Injections of deficient clotting factors or plasma.
   • Medications such as aminocaproic acid, tranexamic acid, and desmopressin.
   • Physical therapy for joint damage.
   • Blood transfusions with clotting factors or plasma.
7. Self-Care:
   • Exercise regularly (consult a provider first).
   • Practice dental hygiene.
   • Avoid certain pain medications and blood thinners.

Remember to seek medical attention if you or someone you know exhibits symptoms of hemophilia. 🩸