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Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder in which blood does not clot normally. Children with hemophilia have low levels of blood proteins that are necessary for clotting. These blood proteins, called factors, are either missing or lacking in patients with hemophilia.
There are two major types of hemophilia:
Boys who inherit the hemophilia gene from a parent have hemophilia. Girls can have the condition or can carry the gene without having hemophilia. Girls who carry the hemophilia gene usually have normal levels of clotting factors but may show symptoms of the condition, such as bruising easily, heavy menstrual bleeding or frequent nosebleeds.
Although hemophilia is genetic, about a third of children with the condition have no family history of it. It is not clear how this happens, but it appears that a new mutation causes hemophilia when there is no family history of the condition.
Symptoms of hemophilia include:
Major complications of hemophilia include:
In addition to a complete medical history and physical exam, your child's doctor may perform numerous blood tests. Blood tests performed by doctors at Riley at IU Health may include measuring clotting factor levels, taking a complete blood count (CBC) and/or performing DNA testing. Your child's doctor may ask for details about your family medical history. The medical and family history, physical exam and blood test results can help the doctor make a diagnosis.
Hemophilia is not curable at this time. Treatment can improve symptoms and the chance of dangerous bleeding in the head and joints. Prevention is also important to avoid dangerous bleeding. Treatment and prevention may include:
For all types of hemophilia, your child’s doctor will suggest specific treatment based on:
For all types of hemophilia, your child’s doctor will suggest specific treatment based on:
Visit the resources below to learn more about hemophilia:
Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.
This foundation is a national network of healthcare providers and patients and families living with hemophilia.
Hemophilia of Indiana is the local chapter of the National Hemophilia Foundation.
The World Federation of Hemophilia is a global network of healthcare providers, national hemophilia associations and patients and families living with hemophilia.
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