A group of bleeding disorders in which it takes a long time for the blood to clot.
Coagulation Cascade
When you bleed, the body launches a series of reactions that help the blood clot.
Coagulation Factors
Special proteins that are involved int he coagulation cascade
Cause of Hemophilia
A lack of enough of certain clotting factors.
Origin of Hemophilia
Passed down through families (inherited).
Symptoms
Main Symptom: Bleeding. May go unnoticed until later in life.
Internal bleeding may occur anywhere, severe cases include serious bleeding without any cause, and bleeding in joints is common.
Signs/Diagnosis
Diagnosed after a person has an abnormal bleeding episode or when there is a known family history of the condition.
Treatment
Diagnosing a bleeding disorder is important so the doctor can take extra care if you need surgery.
Intravenous Infusions
Standard treatment involves replacing the missing clotting factor through a vein.
Prognosis
Most people with hemophilia are able to lead pretty normal lives. A small percentage of people with hemophilia may die from severe bleeding.
Definition
a medical condition in which the ability of the blood to clot is severely reduced