Top Menu

Menu
Menu

Hemophilia

Also called: Christmas disease, Factor IX deficiency, Factor VIII deficiency

Summary

Hemophilia is a rare disorder in which the blood does not clot normally. It is usually inherited. Hemophilia usually occurs in males.

If you have hemophilia, you have little or no clotting factor. Clotting factor is a protein needed for normal blood clotting. Without it, you may bleed for a long time after an injury or accident. You also may bleed into your knees, ankles, and elbows. Bleeding in the joints causes pain and, if not treated, can lead to arthritis. Bleeding in the brain, a very serious complication of hemophilia, requires emergency treatment.

The main symptoms of hemophilia are excessive bleeding and easy bruising. Blood tests can tell if you have it. The main treatment is injecting the missing clotting factor into the bloodstream. You may need it on a regular basis, or just when bleeding occurs.

NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Related Issues

Clinical Trials

Diagnosis and Tests

Encyclopedia

Women

Find an Expert

Start Here

Genetics

Array

Children

Teenagers

Statistics and Research

Treatments and Therapies

Living With

Journal Articles

Symptoms

Latest News

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Community Health

Your Health Our Mission