Haemophilia is an hereditary condition. This means that it is passed on from mother to child at the time of conception.
The blood of a person with haemophilia does not clot normally. He does not bleed more profusely or more quickly than other people; however, he bleeds for a longer time.
Many people believe that haemophiliacs bleed a lot from minor cuts. This is a myth. External wounds are usually not serious. Far more important is internal bleeding (hemorrhaging). These haemorrhages are in joints, especially knees, ankles and elbows; and into tissues and muscles. When bleeding occurs in a vital organ, especially the brain, a haemophiliac’s life is in danger.
Haemophilia A, or Classical Haemophilia, is the most common form, and is caused by having reduced levels of factor VIII (8). Haemophilia B, or Christmas Disease, is caused by having reduced levels of factor IX (9).
Haemophilia is usually inherited in an X-linked pattern, which means the gene responsible for the disorder is carried on the X chromosome.
Because males have only one X chromosome, they are more likely to develop haemophilia. Females usually carry the gene but may also experience bleeding symptoms in some cases.
The severity of haemophilia depends on how much clotting factor is present in the blood.
Common symptoms include:
Prolonged bleeding after injury or surgery
Frequent nosebleeds
Easy bruising
Bleeding into joints (especially knees, ankles, and elbows)
Muscle bleeds
Internal bleeding
Joint bleeding is one of the most serious complications because repeated bleeds can lead to joint damage and chronic pain.
Haemophilia is diagnosed through blood tests that measure clotting factor levels. These tests can determine:
Whether haemophilia is present
Whether it is type A or B
The severity of the condition
Early diagnosis is important for preventing complications and planning treatment.
Treatment focuses on replacing the missing clotting factor and preventing bleeding episodes.
Common treatment options include:
Factor Replacement Therapy
Patients receive infusions of clotting factor VIII or IX to stop bleeding or prevent it.
Preventive (Prophylaxis) Treatment
Regular treatment may be given to prevent bleeding episodes and protect joints.
Newer Therapies
Innovative treatments, including long-acting factor products and non-factor therapies, are improving outcomes and quality of life for many patients.
With appropriate care, people with haemophilia can participate in school, work, sports, and everyday activities.
A bleeding disorder is a medical condition that affects the body’s ability to form blood clots, which can lead to prolonged or excessive bleeding.
Many bleeding disorders, including haemophilia and von Willebrand disease, are inherited genetic conditions passed down through families.
Most inherited bleeding disorders cannot currently be cured, but they can be effectively managed with modern treatments, allowing people to live active lives.
Von Willebrand disease is the most common inherited bleeding disorder worldwide.
Patients can receive care at specialised Haemophilia Treatment Centres (HTCs) across South Africa, where multidisciplinary teams manage diagnosis and treatment.