Hemophilia In Nagpur
Treatments / Hemophilia In Nagpur
What is Hemophilia
Hemophilia in nagpur is a rare genetic blood disorder characterized by insufficient clotting factors, leading to a heightened susceptibility to bleeding and bruising.
This condition arises due to the inadequate production of clotting proteins, known as clotting factors, crucial for blood clot formation. When clotting factor levels are low, the risk of bleeding increases.
Hemophilia presents in several types, categorized as severe, moderate, or mild, depending on the quantity of clotting factor present in the blood.
What are Hemophilia Types ?
There are three primary types of hemophilia:
Hemophilia A: This form, the most prevalent, results from a deficiency in clotting factor 8 (factor VIII). Approximately 10 in 100,000 individuals are estimated to have hemophilia A according to the CDC.
Hemophilia B: Also known as Christmas disease, hemophilia B occurs due to insufficient clotting factor 9 (factor IX). It affects around 3 in 100,000 people in the United States, as estimated by the CDC.
Hemophilia C: Hemophilia C, or factor 11 (factor XI) deficiency, is exceedingly rare, impacting roughly 1 in 100,000 individuals.
What are Hemophilia Symptoms?
The primary symptom of hemophilia is abnormal or excessive bleeding and bruising, often manifesting in various ways:
- Large bruises may appear even after minor injuries, indicating bleeding beneath the skin.
- Prolonged bleeding can occur following surgeries, dental procedures, or minor cuts.
- Spontaneous bleeding episodes, such as sudden nosebleeds, may occur without a clear cause.
The severity of symptoms depends on the type of hemophilia:
- Severe hemophilia: Individuals may experience spontaneous bleeding episodes.
- Moderate hemophilia: Excessive bleeding may occur following significant injuries.
- Mild hemophilia: Unusual bleeding tends to occur primarily after major surgeries or injuries.
Additional symptoms may include:
- Joint pain resulting from internal bleeding, often affecting joints like ankles, knees, hips, and shoulders. Swelling, warmth, and stiffness may also be present.
- Bleeding into the brain, although rare, can be life-threatening for those with severe hemophilia. Symptoms may include persistent headaches, double vision, or extreme drowsiness, requiring immediate medical attention.
How do healthcare providers treat hemophilia?
Hemophilia is typically managed through clotting factor therapy, which involves either boosting clotting factor levels or replacing deficient clotting factors:
Replacement Therapy: This approach involves administering clotting factors either derived from human plasma concentrates or synthesized in a laboratory (recombinant). Generally, individuals with severe hemophilia require regular replacement therapy. However, those with mild or moderate hemophilia may also receive it, particularly before surgeries. Additionally, antifibrinolytics, medications that help stabilize blood clots, may be administered.
Blood Factor Concentrates: These concentrates are derived from donated human blood that undergoes rigorous screening and treatment to minimize the risk of transmitting infectious diseases like hepatitis and HIV. Clotting factors are administered via intravenous infusion (IV).
Prophylactic Factor Infusions: Individuals with severe hemophilia and frequent bleeding episodes may receive prophylactic factor infusions to prevent bleeding episodes before they occur. This proactive approach helps maintain stable clotting factor levels, reducing the likelihood of spontaneous bleeding.