About Hemophilia
Hemophilia A
Hemophilia A is an [x-linked] hereditary disorder in which the clotting ability of the blood is impaired and excessive bleeding results. Hemophilia A (often called classic hemophilia) is a deficiency in clotting factor VIII. Small wounds and punctures are not usually a problem, but uncontrolled internal bleeding can result in pain and swelling and permanent damage, especially to joints and muscles. Severity of symptoms can vary and severe forms become apparent early on. Prolonged bleeding is the hallmark of Hemophilia A and typically occurs when an infant is circumcised. Additional bleeding manifestations make their appearance when the infant becomes mobile. Mild cases may go unnoticed until later in life when there is excessive bleeding and clotting problems in response to surgery or trauma. Internal bleeding may happen anywhere, and bleeding into joints is common. The incidence of Hemophilia A is one in 5,000 - 10,000 live male births. Approximately 12,000 Americans have hemophilia A. Women may have it, but it is very rare. With treatment and management, the outcome is good. Most men with hemophilia are able to lead relatively normal lives. (www.hemophilia.org, 2005).
Hemophilia B
Hemophilia B is another [x-linked] hereditary disorder in which the clotting ability of the blood is impaired and prolonged bleeding results. Small wounds and punctures are usually not a problem. But uncontrolled internal bleeding can result in pain, swelling and permanent damage, especially to joints and muscles. (www.hemophilia.org, 2005) Hemophilia B is a bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency in one of the blood clotting factors. Hemophilia B (also called "Christmas disease" after Stephen Christmas, a British boy in the 20th century who was first diagnosed with it) is a deficiency in clotting factor IX. Hemophilia A is seven times more common than hemophilia B. The incidence of Hemophilia B is one in 34,500 men.