Hemophilia

What are the types of hemophilia?

There are three primary types of hemophilia:

• Hemophilia A: This is the most common form of hemophilia, caused by insufficient clotting factor VIII.
• Hemophilia B: Also called Christmas Disease, this type is linked to inadequate clotting factor IX.
• Hemophilia C: This is the rarest type, occurring in people who don't have enough clotting factor XI.

Depending on the clotting factor levels, hemophilia can range from mild to moderate or severe.

What is acquired hemophilia?

In rare cases, people can develop hemophilia despite having no family history. Called acquired hemophilia, this can occur when someone's immune system makes antibodies that attack clotting factor VIII. It tends to affect pregnant women and those between 60 and 80 years old. Fortunately, most cases of acquired hemophilia resolve with treatment.

How is hemophilia treated and managed?

Although there is no cure for hemophilia, healthcare providers can help you manage the condition by increasing missing clotting factors. Called replacement therapy, this involves intravenous injections that use one of two therapies:

• Plasma-derived factor concentrates: These clotting factors come from donated human plasma.
• Recombinant factor concentrates: This newer type of therapy uses genetically-engineered clotting factors.

People with severe hemophilia may receive prophylactic injections regularly to prevent future bleeding. Others with mild or moderate hemophilia may use them to stop bleeding episodes on-demand, such as after an injury or surgery.

Hemophilia inhibitors

Some patients may develop antibodies (inhibitors) that prevent the clotting factors from stopping bleeding. As a result, patients receiving clotting factor concentrates should get tested for inhibitors at least once a year. This is a serious complication that makes it more difficult to stop and treat bleeds. Hematologists, or blood doctors, can help to manage inhibitor levels using specialized treatments.

Can hemophilia-related bleeding episodes be prevented?

You can't always prevent bleeding episodes. However, the National Hemophilia Foundation recommends people with bleeding disorders "Do the Five" steps to avoid or reduce the chances of complications:

1. Get checked annually at a Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC)
2. Get vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B.
3. Treat bleeds early (within one hour) and adequately.
4. Exercise and maintain a healthy weight.
5. Seek regular testing for bloodborne infections.

Bleeding disorders are highly complex, which is why hemophilia requires care from a specialized team of experts who work together across medical specialties to determine the best approach for you. Patients of all ages choose MedStar Health for hemophilia treatment because we offer:

• Federal designation as a Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC): A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that people with hemophilia who sought care from an HTC were 40% less likely to die from a bleeding-related complication than those who did not.
• Comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach: As a comprehensive HTC, patients benefit from access to a range of healthcare specialists in hematology (blood medicine), orthopedics, physical therapy, pathology, nursing, social work, and more to help patients with hemophilia live long, healthy lives.
• Nationally-recognized blood doctors: Our hematologists have a reputation for being experts in diagnosing and treating bleeding and clotting disorders, including hemophilia and sickle cell disease.
• An emphasis on prevention: Because awareness can help to minimize serious bleeding-related risks, we're dedicated to preventative medicine and education for patients, their families, and the community.
• Convenient, seamless care: With several locations throughout the Maryland and Washington, D.C., region, we offer specialized hemophilia care close to where you live and work.