Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that is passed down by the mother to the children. It is an X-linked recessive disorder that is mostly common among males. Females are generally carriers of this disorder. Fathers do not pass hemophilia to their sons. The implication is that the mother passes the hemophiliac condition to their sons while girls become carriers in case of inheriting the gene that is readily infected. There are rare cases of a girl being a hemophiliac. For a woman who is a carrier of the hemophiliac condition, there are four possibilities in every pregnancy: a girl who is a carrier, a normal girl with no hemophiliac gene, a hemophiliac boy, or a normal boy without the hemophiliac gene (National Hemophilia Foundation, n.d.).
Generally, individuals with hemophilia will bleed longer than other normal persons. This is because the disorder is characterized by a deficiency or lack of the protein that enables blood clotting, the factor VIII (FVIII). Bleeding may occur internally, into the body muscles or joints, or externally, particularly after a cut or a bruise. Where the bleeding occurs in critical tissues, such as the brain, the patient’s life is endangered.
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According to the World Federation of Hemophilia (2012), patients of hemophilia do lead a normal life though their life expectancy is 10 years less that of individuals without the condition. One attribute that enables the management of hemophilia and avoid its fatality is that though the bleeding occurs for relatively longer periods, it does not occur profusely as to stimulate loss of excessive blood. Secondly, the disorder can be diagnosed as early as during the first year after birth.
Hemophilia is one of the conditions that have no cure. However, one continues with treatment throughout life with the aim being to prolong or enhance the quality of life. Concentrated FVIII products are the main medication. Severe hemophilia may necessitate prophylaxis, a treatment intervention aimed at maintaining optimal levels of the clotting factor to prevent bleeding. Desmopressin acetate (DDAVP) may be given to people with mild hemophilia to prevent muscular or joint bleeding (National Hemophilia Foundation, n.d.).
References
National Hemophilia Foundation (n.d.). Hemophilia A. Retrieved from https://www.hemophilia.org on 17/5/2015
World Federation of Hemophilia (2012). About bleeding disorders: Frequently asked questions. Retrieved from https://www.wfh.org on 17/5/2015
