Hemophilia FAQs
How is hemophilia diagnosed?
If you or your child has any signs or symptoms of hemophilia, see a doctor immediately. Your doctor will perform a physical examination, take a family history, and, if hemophilia is suspected, order specific blood tests to confirm a diagnosis. These tests examine clotting time and measure whether coagulation factors in the blood are low or absent.7
Can hemophilia be cured?
There is no cure for hemophilia.1 Fortunately, there are many options available to treat hemophilia for even the most severe forms of the disease.8
What are plasma-derived clotting factor products?
Plasma-derived clotting factor concentrates are produced from the plasma of blood donors. Plasma is processed to separate the desired proteins—in this case, clotting factors.4,9 Plasma-derived clotting factor products have been proven to effectively control bleeding in people with hemophilia.10-12
What is a recombinant clotting factor product?
Recombinant clotting factor products are produced using recombinant DNA technology.
How are recombinant clotting factor products produced?
Clotting factor products that are produced using recombinant technology do not rely on pools of sourced plasma and are designed to reduce the risk of contamination by known blood-borne viruses.10-12
Want to know more about viral safety?
What steps can a person with hemophilia take to help stay healthy?
People with hemophilia may follow basic approaches to maintaining good health. These include preventive care, physical therapy and exercise, and practicing a healthy lifestyle. Talk to your doctor about healthy lifestyle choices that may be right for you.13
The use of clotting factor to control and prevent bleeding may be especially important for some patients to prevent bleeding into joints—a common problem in patients with hemophilia.1,6
Physical therapy and exercise can help improve and/or maintain muscle strength and flexibility. It is especially important that muscles surrounding joints receive appropriate physical therapy and exercise as part of recovery from joint bleeding. Developing strong muscles can help protect and cushion the joints, which may result in fewer bleeds into the joint. An exercise program that takes safety precautions into account can be developed with a physical therapist.13,14
Appropriate nutrition and stress management are important components of a healthy lifestyle for patients with hemophilia, as well as their families. Strategies to prevent injury should also be followed. Special attention may be required with regard to sports and travel. Immunizations in young patients with hemophilia may require special management. Your health care provider can provide you with special instructions.13
Management of hemophilia may include prevention (infusing before certain activities) as part of the overall treatment plan. Find out about prevention and active lifestyles.15,16
What steps may be taken for keeping a child with hemophilia healthy?
The same basic steps outlined above also apply to children, except that a parent or other caregiver performs daily care activities. During childhood, a child with hemophilia will need to be taught about his or her disease and its management. Gradually, the child may be able to take on some of the self-care needed to address his or her hemophilia.13
Can children with hemophilia participate in childhood activities?
Yes—today, children with hemophilia can participate in many childhood activities. Physical activity is encouraged for children with hemophilia, as it may help to build strong muscles. Most children with hemophilia can participate in swimming, bicycle riding (with a helmet), walking, and golf.13 Contact sports such as football, hockey, wrestling, and boxing are not recommended.13,14 Talk with your doctor about safe, appropriate activities.
Where can I get more information about hemophilia care and treatment?
Decisions about patient care must be made with a health care provider who can assess the special needs of each patient. There are education and support groups for people living with hemophilia throughout the country.
Here, on Hemophilia Village, you’ll find a range of information about hemophilia and its treatment, plus programs and services for people with hemophilia.
Another resource is the National Hemophilia Foundation; they have valuable information and can put you in touch with your local hemophilia chapter. You can visit their Web site at www.hemophilia.org or call them at 1.800.42.HANDI.
