Symptoms of Haemophilia and its treatment
Pak Chronicle Web Desk
Haemophilia is a rare genetic disorder that affects the body’s ability to form blood clots. It is caused by a deficiency in one of the clotting factors, which are proteins found in blood that help it to clot. Haemophilia is a lifelong condition that affects mostly males and is typically inherited from the mother.
The severity of haemophilia can vary depending on the amount of clotting factor that is missing. There are two types of haemophilia: type A and type B. Type A is the most common, and it is caused by a deficiency in clotting factor VIII. Type B is caused by a deficiency in clotting factor IX. The severity of the condition is measured by the level of clotting factor in the blood. Mild haemophilia has a clotting factor level of 5-40%, moderate haemophilia has a clotting factor level of 1-5%, and severe haemophilia has a clotting factor level of less than 1%.
Symptoms of haemophilia can include excessive bleeding and bruising, joint pain and swelling, and prolonged bleeding after injury or surgery. Bleeding can occur internally, such as in the joints or muscles, or externally, such as from cuts or wounds. If left untreated, haemophilia can lead to chronic pain, disability, and even death.
Treatment for haemophilia involves replacing the missing clotting factor through infusions of factor concentrates. The frequency and dose of the infusions depend on the severity of the condition and the individual’s bleeding history. Prophylactic infusions may be given to prevent bleeding episodes, while on-demand infusions are given to treat bleeding when it occurs. Physical therapy and exercise can also be helpful in managing joint pain and maintaining mobility.
In addition to medical treatment, individuals with haemophilia and their families can benefit from education and support from healthcare providers and patient organizations. This can include information on managing bleeding episodes, coping with the emotional and social impact of the condition, and navigating insurance and financial issues.
Advancements in medical research have led to new treatments for haemophilia, such as gene therapy and non-factor replacement therapies. Gene therapy involves introducing a functional copy of the gene responsible for producing the missing clotting factor into the body’s cells. Non-factor replacement therapies use different proteins or molecules to help promote clotting in the absence of the missing clotting factor.
Haemophilia treatment centers in US
There are several Hemophilia Treatment Centers (HTCs) located throughout the United States. These centers specialize in the comprehensive care and management of individuals with bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia.
Here is a list of some of the HTCs in the US:
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Hemophilia Treatment Center – Philadelphia, PA
University of Colorado Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center – Aurora, CO
Hemophilia Treatment Center of Oregon Health & Science University – Portland, OR
Hemophilia Treatment Center at the University of California, San Diego – San Diego, CA
Michigan State University Hemophilia Treatment Center – East Lansing, MI
Blood and Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapies Program Hemophilia and Coagulation Disorders Program – Cincinnati, OH
University of Michigan Hemophilia and Coagulation Disorders Program – Ann Arbor, MI
Hemophilia and Bleeding Disorders Treatment Center at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles – Los Angeles, CA
The Hemophilia Center at Oregon Health & Science University – Portland, OR
Hemophilia Treatment Center at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, NC
Note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there may be additional HTCs in other areas of the US. To find an HTC near you, you can visit the National Hemophilia Foundation’s website and use their HTC locator tool.
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