Hemophilia Health Article

Definition

Hemophilia refers to a group of bleeding disorders in which it takes a long time for the blood to clot. This may cause abnormal bleeding. In most cases, the disorder is passed down through families (inherited) and most often affects males.

Related topics:

• Hemophilia A
• Hemophilia B
• von Willebrand disease

Symptoms

The main symptom of hemophilia is bleeding. Mild cases may go unnoticed until later in life, when they occur in response to surgery or trauma. Internal bleeding may occur anywhere. Bleeding into joints is common.

Signs and tests

Most often, hemophilia is diagnosed after a person has a bleeding episode or there is known family history of the condition.

Treatment

Standard treatment involves replacing the missing clotting factor.

Support Groups

See: Hemophilia - Resources

Expectations (prognosis)

Most people with hemophilia are able to lead relatively normal lives. A small percentage of people with hemophilia may die from loss of blood.

References

Rakel P, ed. Conn’s Current Therapy 2006. 58th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2006; 510-517.

Kumar V, Abbas AK, Fausto N. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 7th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2005:655-656.