Intended for US audience only.
Hemophilia Overview
Introduction History Recent treatment advances
Introduction1
Hemophilia is a rare genetic blood clotting disorder that primarily affects males. People living with hemophilia do not have enough of, or are missing, one of the blood clotting proteins, known as Factors, naturally found in blood. However, with proper physician-directed treatment, you can live a full and active life.
The two most common forms of hemophilia are A and B. If you have hemophilia A (also called classical hemophilia), clotting Factor VIII protein is not present in sufficient amounts or is absent. Those with Hemophilia B (also called Christmas disease) do not have sufficient amounts of clotting Factor IX. The third and rarest form is hemophilia C, in which Factor XI is sub-sufficient or missing. As a result of all forms of hemophilia, it takes your body longer than others to begin the clotting process.
As a person with hemophilia, you do not bleed more profusely or faster than others. Instead, you bleed for longer periods of time.
Virtually all people who have hemophilia are born with it. The majority of people with hemophilia have a family history (it is a hereditary disorder).
In as many as 30% of cases, there is no family history of hemophilia. In these cases, the mother may not be aware that she carries the gene for hemophilia, or a gene mutation may have occurred spontaneously.
For more information, see Who gets hemophilia?
History1
Hemophilia was identified as early as biblical times. Doctors in medieval times were familiar with it as well. In 1803, a Philadelphia doctor published the first description of hemophilia in the United States, but it was not until 30 years later that hemophilia became widely recognized.
Hemophilia later developed a reputation as the "royal disease" because it passed from Queen Victoria of England to her descendants throughout the royal houses of Europe.
Recent treatment advances2
The most significant advances in hemophilia treatment have been made in the last four decades. Baxter Healthcare Corporation introduced the first commercially available blood plasma-derived factor concentrate for hemophilia A in the mid-1960s.
In the early 1970s, home treatment of hemophilia A became widely available, offering people with hemophilia greater independence and reduced hospital stays.
Today, recombinant DNA technology and the discovery of the genes that control production of Factor VIII have led to the development of recombinant factor concentrates that do not rely on plasma at all.
You should discuss which Factor VIII replacement therapy is best for you with your physician.
References
- World Federation of Hemophilia website. Available at http://www.wfh.org. Accessed July 31, 2008.
- National Hemophilia Foundation website. Available at http://www.hemophilia.org. Accessed July 31, 2008.
Note: thereforyou.com does not recommend a particular treatment for specific individuals and recommends that you consult your treatment center or physician before pursuing any course of treatment.
