What Is Hemophilia and How Is It Treated?
Hemophilia is a rare, typically inherited, bleeding disorder that can range from mild to severe, depending on how much clotting factor is present in the blood. Hemophilia is classified as Type A or Type B, based on which type of clotting factor is lacking (factor VIII in Type A and factor IX in Type B). Hemophilia results from a genetic defect found on the X chromosome. Women, who have two X chromosomes, can pass the disease onto their sons but will be not be affected by the disease unless both X chromosomes have the defective gene; this is very rare. On the other hand, males, who have one X and one Y chromosome, will be affected by hemophilia if their one X chromosome has the defective gene. Because blood does not clot properly without enough clotting factor, any cut or injury carries the risk of excessive bleeding. In addition, people with hemophilia may suffer from internal bleeding that can damage joints, organs, and tissues over time. In the past, people with hemophilia were treat
