The World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) will join the global bleeding disorders community in marking World Hemophilia Day on Sunday.
This year the WFH is focussed on bringing attention to a challenge that too many people in the bleeding disorder community face: lack of access to treatment and care, a BSP press release informed.
Dr Gurmeet Singh D. M. (Hematopathology) Hematopathologist & Haematologist of BSP JlN Hospital & Research Centre Bhilai said on World Hemophilia Day we will highlight the need for treatment for all people with a bleeding disorder and how this goal will only be obtained with the help of the community at large.
There is an enormous discrepancy in the level of care available to patients with a bleeding disorder around the world. While some are diagnosed very young, and have medical care throughout their life, most do not, he said.
Treatment exists for those with a bleeding disorder but without the correct care many patients still suffer debilitating pain, permanent joint damage, or death, he said.
Hemophilia is a condition in which bleeding is prolonged. Hemophilia inherited; you can't 'catch' hemophilia or pass it onto others, Dr Singh said.
When a person without hemophilia bleeds, normal levels of a protein in the blood(clotting factor), causes the blood to clot and stops the bleeding. However, hemophiliacs (people with hemophilia) have lower levels of clotting factor in the the blood and bleeding continues for much longer periods, he said.
There are two types of hemophilia. Each type is linked to a low level of a certain clotting factor. Hemophilia A is the more common type and is linked to low levels of clotting factor VIII. Hemophilia B is more rare and is associated with low levels of clotting factor IX .Hemophilia is diagnosed by taking a blood sample and testing the levels of clotting factor VIII & IX, Singh said.
Each type of hemophilia causes prolonged bleeding which is the main symptom of hemophilia. Bleeding can range from mild to severe. Other symptoms include spontaneous bleeding, bleeding into the muscles or joints, bleeding for a prolonged period after having surgery, having a cut or dental work, and big bruises. In very mild cases, bleeding may be for a shorter duration and only arise after injury or surgery, he said.
In severe cases, bleeding is spontaneous, with no obvious cause and is more frequent (around one to two times a week). In severe cases, bleeding may go into the joints and muscles of the muscles of the body. Further symptoms may include, swelling, pain and stiffness, an ache or problems using the muscle or joint. Repetitive bleeding into a joint can also cause arthritis, Singh said.
If untreated, severe cases of hemophilia can lead to an early death. However, there are successful treatment options available, and if managed, people with hemophilia are largely unaffected by this condition living full and healthy lives, he said.