Hemophilia

Hemophilia is a rare bleeding condition that results from reduced levels of clotting factor VIII for Hemophilia A or clotting Factor IX for hemophilia B. Hemophilia is inherited and affects fewer than 20,000 individuals in the United States. All races and ethnic groups are effected equally.

This disorder can be mild, moderate, or severe depending on how much of the clotting factor is in a person’s blood. People with hemophilia bleed for a longer period of time than people without hemophilia because they often cannot form a normal clot. Bleeding can happen anywhere in the body but most often it occurs in muscles, joints, and soft tissues. People with hemophilia can have surgery, but a hematologist that is very familiar with the disease must closely manage surgical procedures in order to reduce bleeding complications.

Hemophilia is a complex disorder and requires quality medical care from doctors and nurses who know a lot about the disorder. Hemophilia Treatment Centers, like GSHTC, are specialized health care centers that bring together a team experienced in treating people with hemophilia. Treatment for hemophilia has advanced over the past 20 years and today people with hemophilia can have a normal life span if they treat bleeding episodes and use preventative therapies.