Hemophilia

We one of the largest programs in Michigan for hemophilia treatment.

Hemophilia is a rare bleeding disorder in which the blood does not clot properly. People with hemophilia don’t have enough “clotting factors” (blood-clotting proteins). This can lead to several bleeding-related issues, such as injuries that bleed longer and swelling in the joints. Hemophilia is caused by a genetic mutation that prevents clotting proteins from working properly. In some cases, these proteins may be missing altogether.

Hemophilia and cancer treatment

Many blood disorders are either cancerous or pre-cancerous. Even when a condition is not cancerous, it may be treated with some of the same medical oncology therapies used to treat cancer. For this reason, all hemophilia treatment at Henry Ford Health is coordinated through an integrated team of hematologists (specialists who focus on disorders that affect the blood and related structures) and oncologists, who treat cancer.

Types of hemophilia

While there are several types of the disease, there are two common forms:

• Hemophilia A (Classic Hemophilia): This type is caused by a lack or decrease of clotting factor VIII.
• Hemophilia B (Christmas Disease): This type is caused by a lack or decrease of clotting factor IX.

Hemophilia symptoms

Bleeding is the main underlying symptom, but it can present in several different forms:

• Excessive bleeding after cuts, injuries, vaccinations, dental work or a procedure
• Bleeding into joints that causes swelling or pain
• Bleeding in the mouth and gums
• Unexplained bruising of the skin, muscle or soft tissues
• Blood in the stool or urine
• Nosebleeds with an unknown cause that are frequent and hard to stop

Hemophilia diagnosis

The disease is diagnosed in two ways:

• Screening tests: These blood tests assess whether the blood is clotting properly.
• Clotting factor tests (factor assays): These determine the type of hemophilia and its severity.

Given that most cases are hereditary, genetic testing and counseling is also an important part of hemophilia diagnosis and treatment. Family members can also use these services to help determine if someone is a carrier for the mutated gene.

Hemophilia treatment

Replacement therapy is the best treatment for hemophilia. This type of therapy replaces the clotting factor that is missing or low in your body. Your replacement therapy may include:

• Immunosuppressant therapy for acquired hemophilia: This includes steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), certain medical oncology drugs (Cyclophosphamide, Vincristine and Rituximab)
• Medications that help with clotting: Also known as antifibrinolytics
• Desmopressin or DDAVP: For mild hemophilia or von Willebrand disease
• Local clotting therapies: Such as thrombin gel and fibrin glue