Hemophilia

Description

A rare, inherited bleeding disorder in which the blood does not clot properly. This can lead to spontaneous bleeding as well as bleeding following injuries or surgery. Blood contains many proteins, called clotting factors, that can help to stop bleeding. People with hemophilia have low levels of either factor VIII (hemophilia A) or factor IX (hemophilia B).

Common Symptoms

• Prolonged bleeding from cuts or injuries
• Large or deep bruises
• Unexplained nosebleeds
• Pain, swelling, or tightness in your joints (from internal bleeding)
• Blood in your urine or stool

Common Causes

• An inherited mutation in one of the genes that provides instructions for making the clotting factor proteins needed to form a blood clot. It is an X-linked recessive disorder, primarily affecting males.

Treatment Information