Hemophilia

HEMOPHILIA

Hemophilia is a rare disorder in which your blood doesn't clot normally because it lacks sufficient blood-clotting proteins (clotting factors). You bleed for a longer time after an injury than you normally would if you didn't have Hemophilia.

They are classified according to which clotting factor is deficient.Hemophilia A: The most common type, is caused by insufficent clotting factor VIII.Hemophilia B: The second most common type, is caused by insufficent clotting factor IX.Hemophilia C: In which signs and symptoms are often mild, is caused by insufficent clotting factor XI.

Causes

Defintion

Hemophilia affects 1 in 5,000 male births. About 400 babies are born with Hemophilia each year. Currently, the number of people with Hemophilia in the U.S. is estimated to be about 20,000, based on expected births and deaths since 1994.

Incidence

Because Hemophilia is inherited, it cannot be prevented. There is no cure. Doctors can diagnose Hemophilia through a blood test, typically while your child is still a fetus. Since carriers are usually women, genetic testing can be done to determine whether you have the gene so you can decide whether having children is right for you.

Prevention

It is genetic, so if you have a family member with it, you may have it too. You can't just develope it over time.

Risk Factors

Preventative Treatment- where medication is used to prevent episodes of bleeding and subsequent joint and muscle damage.On-Demand Treatment- where medication is used in response to an episode of prolonged bleeding.

Treatment