Hemophilia

Hemophilia is a rare disorder in which a person’s blood is not able to clot properly, resulting in unusually easy and prolonged bleeding.

Within the blood, proteins called clotting factors normally work together to help form blood clots to prevent excessive bleeding. In people with hemophilia, one of these proteins either does not work properly or not enough of it is made, resulting in a clotting factor deficiency.

There are several types of hemophilia, each characterized by a deficiency, or lack, of a specific clotting factor protein. The most common form is hemophilia A, followed by hemophilia B. Both of these types primarily affect boys and men. Almost all cases of hemophilia are caused by mutations in a gene that provides instructions for making a clotting factor protein.

No cure exists for hemophilia, but a number of treatments are available that can help to minimize and control bleeding in patients. While historically most people with hemophilia have not survived to adulthood, with modern medical care, individuals born with the condition in the 21st century now have a near-normal life expectancy.

Learn more about hemophilia by heading to Hemophilia News Today, a Bionews brand.

Hemophilia News Today Logo