Pediatrics Common Questions, Quick Answers

Hemophilia

Donna D'Alessandro, M.D.
Lindsay Huth, B.A.
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
Creation Date: April 2002
Last Revision Date: April 2002

• What is hemophilia?
• What causes it?
• Who can get it?
• What are the signs and symptoms?
• Is it contagious?
• How is it diagnosed and treated?
• How long does it last?
• Can it be prevented?
• When should I call the doctor?

What is hemophilia?

• Hemophilia is a blood disorder.
• The blood is not able to clot (stop bleeding) as well as it should.
• There are three common types; Type A, Type B, and Type C.
• Type A is the most common.
• Type B is also known as the "Christmas disease."

What causes it?

• It can be caused by congenital defects, or birth defects (problems in a baby's growth and development before birth).
• It often results because important things (such as proteins) are missing from the blood to help it clot.
• It can be inherited (passed from parent to child through genes).

Who can get it?

• Type A and B are most common in men.
• If a parent has hemophilia, their child is more likely to have hemophilia.

What are the signs and symptoms?

• Patients may bleed anywhere.
• They do not usually bleed large amounts from small cuts and wounds.
• Bleeding is usually caused by more serious injuries, trauma, or surgery.
• Patients may bleed into their joints (usually the elbows, ankles, knees, or shoulders).
• The joint may become warm, painful, and swollen. It may be difficult to move.
• Bleeding into the joints can cause joint damage.
• Patients can also bleed into muscles, into the esophagus, or into the stomach or intestine.
• There may also be bleeding from the nose and gums.
• Heavy menstrual bleeding is common in women.
• There may be blood in the urine or stool.
• It is possible to bleed into the brain, although this is not common. Other symptoms usually include nausea, headache, and confusion.
• The amount of bleeding varies from person to person.

Is it contagious?

• No. It is not contagious.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

• Doctors can test unborn babies to see if they might have hemophilia.
• Baby boys may be diagnosed after circumcision if parents notice a lot of bleeding.
• Parents may notice an unusual amount of bruises or bleeding following common injuries. This is especially common as babies get older, are able to move around more, and have more falls.
• Some patients are not diagnosed until a serious injury, trauma, or surgery.
• The doctor will want a family history and details about your child's symptoms.
• Your child may need blood tests.
• Patients may need to have blood products (like plasma) added to their blood. This will help stop bleeding.
• The doctor can use other people's blood products to put in your child's blood. If your child is old enough, he may be able to learn how to do it himself.
• Patients may need physical therapy if they have joint damage.
• If your child gets a minor cut, cover the area with a bandage and add pressure. For bruises, use an ice pack. Your doctor can give you other specific recommendations.
• Tell teachers, childcare staff, relatives, and others who will watch your child about his condition.

How long does it last?

• It is a lifelong illness but symptoms can usually be controlled with proper treatment.

Can it be prevented?

• A parent with hemophilia or with a family history of hemophilia can talk to a counselor to see what the risk is of having a child with it.
• Prevent bleeding by avoiding injuries.
• Parents should pad the baby's crib.
• Exercise is encouraged. They should not participate in contact sports or diving. Walking, swimming, and biking are okay. Talk to your doctor.
• Some joint damage can be prevented if treatment is started early in life.
• Patients should avoid taking aspirin and other medications that effect blood clotting.
• Patients should be immunized against the hepatitis A and B viruses.

When should I call the doctor?

• Call the doctor if your child has hemophilia and is bleeding a large amount, especially if the injury involves the head or neck.
• Call the doctor if the child has sudden pain, swelling, and warmth in the joints.
• Call the doctor if your child has many bruises or lots of bleeding following minor injuries.
• If you are pregnant and have a family history of hemophilia, call your doctor.
• Call the doctor if your child has symptoms of hemophilia.
• Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child's treatment or condition.

Quick Answers

• Hemophilia is a blood disorder.
• It can be caused by congenital defects or problems with the blood clotting. It can be inherited.
• Type A and B are most common in men.
• Small cuts and wounds do not usually cause a large amount of bleeding. Serious injuries, trauma, or surgery may.
• It is not contagious.
• Children are often diagnosed after parents notice a lot of bruises or bleeding following common injuries.
• It is a lifelong illness.
• Patients can prevent bleeding by avoiding injuries.
• Call the doctor if your child is bleeding a large amount, especially if the injury involves the head or neck.

References

• InteliHeatlh. Hemophilia. Harvard Medical School. 2001 July 09 (cited 2002 March 25). URL: http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH?t=10115&p=~br,IHW|~st,408|~r,WSIHW000|~b,*|
• MayoClinic. What is Hemophilia? 2001 September 14 (cited 2002 March 25). URL: http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=DS00218
• NHLBI. Hemophilia. 1996 May 13 (cited 2002 March 25). URL: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/blood/other/hemophel.htm

See related Patient Topics Bleeding Disorders, Blood/Lymphatic System, Genetics/Birth Defects or Hemophilia.

See related Provider Topics Blood/Lymphatic System or Genetics/Birth Defects.

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