Hemophilia A
Occurs when factor VIII is missing or works insufficiently.
What is hemophilia?
A brief overview of the disease, the main types and why proper treatment can radically improve patients quality of life.
Hemophilia B
Occurs when factor IX is missing or works insufficiently.
Prophylaxis
Proper treatment helps prevent bleeding and joint complications.
Hemophilia is an inherited blood clotting disorder caused by the absence or defective function of clotting factor VIII (hemophilia A) or IX (hemophilia B). The disease causes prolonged or spontaneous bleeding, especially into joints and muscles.
Types of hemophilia
- Hemophilia A: factor VIII deficiency; the most common form.
- Hemophilia B: factor IX deficiency; rarer, but with similar symptoms.
Symptoms
Patients with severe forms may have frequent bleeding after minor injuries or spontaneously. Mild forms can remain unnoticed until surgery or accidents.
Importance of treatment
Without proper treatment with the missing clotting factors, bleeding can be life-threatening. Prophylactic treatment and patient education help prevent complications.