Hemophilia is a rare, genetic blood condition in which the blood is unable to clot regularly due to a deficiency of clotting factors (proteins that enable clotting). People with hemophilia tend to bleed for a long duration upon a physical injury as opposed to those with well-functioning clotting factors.
While small scrapes usually don’t pose a problem, internal bleeding is a cause for more concern. Such internal bleeding may incur damage to tissues and organs, leading to potentially deadly complications.
Hemophilia A Treatment
Various types of clotting factors are linked to different types of hemophilia. The primary approach to treatment for a severe case of hemophilia usually necessitates clotting factor replacement, which is done through the insertion of a tube in a vein.
This replacement procedure stops the ongoing bleeding. It can also prevent further bleeding if administered continuously. Some patients undergo replacement therapy on a regular basis. Replacement of a clotting factor can either be done using blood donations or recombinant clotting factors (not made from actual blood).
There are also other hemophilia A treatment options, including anti-fibrinolytic medications, DDAVP (desmopressin), fibrin glue, emergency treatment of small cuts, physical therapy, and vaccines.
DDAVP or desmopressin is an option for mild cases of hemophilia. It works by stimulating the body to secrete more clotting factor. It can either be taken in the form of a nasal spray or administered intravenously.
Anti-fibrinolytic drugs work by precluding clots from disintegrating to protect them. Fibrin glue, most commonly used in dental procedures, is a topical treatment that is applied right on injuries/cuts to enable clotting and speedy healing.
Physical therapy is effective in relieving symptoms brought on by damage to joints (due to internal bleeding). In cases where internal bleeding results in extreme damage, surgery may be necessary.
Though the risk is low due to meticulous screening procedures, it is important for those with hemophilia to get their hepatitis A and B vaccinations as they often receive blood transfusions.
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