When your child has hemophilia or another bleeding disorder, it can be a cause of constant worry. The board certified pediatric hematologists at our clinic work to put control and peace-of-mind back into the lives of patients with bleeding disorders and their families. Our services include management, patient education and coordination of care with home health agencies.
Hemophilia Definition
Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder. Children with hemophilia have difficulty stopping bleeding because of low levels of certain proteins in blood needed for clotting. These proteins are called factors. Hemophilia can be mild, moderate or severe depending on the amount of protein missing. To learn more about specific types of hemophilia, including hemophilia A and hemophilia B, please click here.
Hemophilia Symptoms
Symptoms of hemophilia include:
- Bruising. In hemophiliacs, small bumps or accidents can result in large bruises.
- Bleeding easily. Children with hemophilia have a tendency to bleed from the nose, mouth or gums with minor trauma, teeth brushing or dental work.
- Bleeding in a joint, like a knee, wrist or elbow. This can cause pain, immobility or arthritis.
- Bleeding into muscles, which can cause swelling, pain or even deformity.
- Bleeding from injury or bleeding in the brain is the most serious bleeding complication.
- Frequent blood in the urine or stool might also be a symptom of hemophilia.
Hemophilia Treatment
Blood transfusions and certain clotting drugs are common hemophilia treatments. Parents of hemophiliac children might also need to help their children avoid bumps and bruises.
Treatment Advances
Our clinic is currently working with a national organization to allow patients to electronically record bleeds and treatments. Data is available to the patient, your physician and any home health agencies involved in your child’s care.