The Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center of Nevada

2020 W. Palomino Lane Suite 110

Las Vegas, Nevada 89106

702-385-2702

since July 1, 2008

Last updated July 1, 2008

webmaster RIS

Hemophilia results from an inadequate amount of clotting factor in a person's blood.  It is an inherited condition that is passed down from mothers to sons and therefore almost always affects only males.  Two types of Hemophilia occur depending upon which clotting factor is decreased.  In Hemophilia A, there is a lack of Factor VIII, while in Hemophilia B, there is a lack of Factor IX.  While both are rare disorders, Hemophilia B occurs less commonly.

Hemophilia may present as a mild or severe disorder.  In the mild form, patient's often have no symptoms of bleeding unless subjected to trauma or surgical procedures.  Patient's with mild Hemophilia A may respond to a medication called DDAVP which is available as a nasal spray and in intravenous form.  Both patient's with mild Hemophilia A or B may require treatment with intravenous factor concentrate to replace the missing clotting factor following trauma or before surgery.

In the severe form of Hemophilia A and B patients may bleed spontaneously.  This often results in joint damage or life threatening bleeding.  Therefore, these patients are usually taught to begin an IV and infuse factor concentrate at home at the first sign of bleeding.  Treatment of this sort enables the patient to live a normal lifestyle.  Some patients benefit from regular infusions of factor concentrate to maintain a low level of clotting factors at all times therefore preventing significant bleeding (termed prophylactic therapy).

A few patients who receive regular factor infusion may develop an antibody to the clotting factor.  In these patients the usual treatment is ineffective and they require additional modalities to control bleeding and eliminate the antibody.

Some healthy persons may develop an antibody to their own factor concentrate (acquired inhibitor, or acquired hemophilia).  These patients require specialized treatment to eliminate the antibody and treat any bleeding complications.  With adequate treatment, most patients will be able to eliminate the antibody which results in a return to normal life.

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Last modified: July 01, 2008