Hemophilia

Alex New
 History of Hemophilia
- Just before World War II, doctors learned that hemophilia
A was caused by a problem with a protein in the blood,
later called factor VIII. Eleven other blood factors were
recognized in the 1950s
- In the 1800s, known as the Royal Disease
Symptoms of Hemophilia
Signs and symptoms of spontaneous bleeding include:

- Unexplained and excessive bleeding from cuts or injuries, or

after surgery or dental work
- Many large or deep bruises
- Unusual bleeding after vaccinations
- Pain, swelling or tightness in your joints
- Blood in your urine or stool
- Nosebleeds without a known cause
- In infants, unexplained irritability
Cause of Hemophilia
- Acquired hemophilia is very rare, and can be associated
with pregnancy, autoimmune conditions, cancer, multiple
sclerosis
- Most commonly caused through inheritance, by transfer
of the X chromosome
- Hemophilia almost always occurs in boys and is passed
from mother to son through one of the mother's genes.
- Most women with the defective gene are simply carriers
and experience no signs or symptoms of hemophilia.
Identification of Hemophilia
Hemophilia - Spreadsheet

- For people with a family history of hemophilia, it's possible to

determine during pregnancy if the fetus is affected by
hemophilia
- In children and adults, a blood test can reveal a clotting-factor
deficiency. Depending on the severity of the deficiency,
hemophilia symptoms can first arise at various ages
 Treatment of Hemophilia
- Desmopressin (DDAVP) - These medications help
prevent clots from breaking down.
- Fibrin sealants - These medications can be applied
directly to wound sites to promote clotting and healing
- Physical therapy - It can ease signs and symptoms if
internal bleeding has damaged your joints
- First aid for minor cuts - Using pressure and a bandage
will generally take care of the bleeding
- Vaccinations - Although blood products are screened,
it's still possible for people who rely on them to
contract diseases
Bioethical consideration
- As technology advances we will face decisions about the
implementation of prenatal, neonatal and other screening
programs.
- Such debates will require input from all stakeholders in the
haemophilia community.
- There is also debate about abortions if diseases are identified,
not so much in this disease but in others
Citations
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Hemophilia.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and
Research, 2 Feb. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemophilia/symptoms-
causes/syc-20373327.

Stöppler, MD Melissa Conrad. “What Is Hemophilia? Definition, Symptoms of Hemophilia A and

B.” MedicineNet, www.medicinenet.com/hemophilia/article.htm.