Hemophilia

by | Apr 6, 2020 | Health Topics

Written by Mohamad Haziq Bin Mohd Yusoff, Pharmacist.

What is Hemophilia?

Hemophilia is a rare inherited bleeding disorder in which the blood doesn’t clot normally because of the lack of cloth factors in the body. A clotting factor factor is a protein in blood that controls bleeding. Up to this day, this disorder is still undiagnosed or inadequately treated.

 

Classification of Hemophilia:

Hemophilia are classified into 2 which are Haemophilia A (common) and Hemophilia B(less common). The differentiation is that haemophilia A is the result from the deficiency of clotting factor VIII whereas Haemophilia B results from the deficiency of clotting factor IX.

 Diagnosis of Hemophilia:

 

Blood tests need to be tested in order to identify if the blood is clotting properly. If it does not, then they would do clotting factor tests, also called factor assays, to diagnose the cause of the bleeding disorder. These blood tests would show the type of hemophilia and the severity. Genetic test also may be consider.

 

Sign & Symptom:

                                     

  • Excessive bleeding from cuts or injuries
  • Easily bruises
  • Pain, swelling or tightness in between the joints
  • Blood in urine or stool
  • Often nosebleeds

 

Treatment & therapies:

 

  • Seek doctor for treatment
  • Wound sealants/ plaster
  • Exercise regularly
  • Avoid blood thinning medication
  • Put pressure and a bandage will take care of the bleeding. Ice packs can also be used for small areas of bleeding

.

Hemophilia Genetic Inheritances

Key prevention messages from the National Hemophilia Foundation’s National Prevention Program

  1. Get an annual comprehensive checkup at a hemophilia treatment center
  2. Get vaccinated    – Hepatitis A and B are preventable
  3. Treat bleeds early and adequately
  4. Exercise and maintain a healthy weight to protect your joints
  5. Get tested regularly for blood-borne infections

References:

  • Eckdahl,K. (2016) Hemophilia: The Royal Disease. New York: Momentum
  • Alice Ma, Harold R. Roberts, Miguel A. Escobar (2012) Hemophilia and Hemostasis: A Case-Based Approach to Management. North Carolina: John Wiley & Sons.
  • Raabe, M. (2011) Textbook of Hemophilia. Oxford: John Wiley & Sons
  • National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. [online] Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/hemophilia. Accessed March 1, 2020.