Hemophilia

Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of one of the proteins necessary for proper clotting. The type and severity of a person’s hemophilia depends on which protein is involved, and to what degree it is deficient. Hemophilia affects mostly males, but women who are carriers may also have lower Factor VIII or Factor IX levels. Ten to 20% of women that carry a hemophilia gene may have bleeding symptoms.

Most Common Types:

• Hemophilia A (Factor VIII Deficiency), aka Classic Hemophilia

• Hemophilia B (Factor IX Deficiency), aka Christmas Disease

Severity:

• Mild (>5% Factor VIII or IX in blood) — Prolonged bleeding usually with surgery, tooth extractions, or major injuries.

• Moderate (1-5% Factor VIII or IX in blood) — Prolonged bleeding with surgery, tooth extractions, or major trauma. Occasionally bleeding occurs with minor trauma or with no apparent injury.

• Severe (<1% Factor VIII or IX in blood) — Bleeding episodes are more frequent. Bleeding into joints, muscles, or body organs can occur with no apparent injury or cause. Prolonged bleeding occurs with trauma or surgery.

Complications:

• Inhibitor — Makes the bleeding more difficult to stop because the person has developed an antibody to the clotting factor concentrates that promote clotting.

• Joint Damage (aka Hemophilic Arthropathy) — Develops in joints that have had repeated bleeding episodes. Cartilage can become damaged due to the inflammation and irritation from repeated bleeding in and around joints.

• HIV/Aids — During the 1970s and mid 1980s, some clotting factor concentrates were contaminated by HIV. Many people with bleeding disorders contracted HIV. Current clotting factor concentrates are safe from HIV.

• Hepatitis — During the 1970s and 1980s, some clotting factor concentrates were contaminated by hepatitis B and C. Many people with bleeding disorders contracted hepatitis. Current clotting factor concentrates are safe from the Hepatitis B and C viruses. Immunizations against Hepatitis A and B are available.

Factor Comparison Charts:

• Product comparison charts for Hemophilia A and Hemophilia B products.