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Hemophilia

FACTS:

• Hemophilia is a rare inherited bleeding disorder in which the blood does not clot or turn from liquid to solid easily.  There are many types of hemophilia, from mild to severe. Some affect only males and others occur equally in males and females.
  
• Babies born with this disorder are missing or have a low level of a protein in the blood needed for normal blood clotting.  
  
• Signs of this disorder are excessive bruising, excessive bleeding, easy bleeding, nose bleeds and bruising and bleeding in the joints.  A child with hemophilia may have blood in his or her urine. 
  
• A child’s joints may be involved-starting with the knees, followed by the elbow, ankle, shoulder, and wrist.  The joints may be painful and swollen. Frequent bleeding can cause scarring of the joints or joint disease.
  
• Chronic anemia can occur from blood loss. Anemia is a low red blood cell count. Vision loss can occur from bleeding into the eye.  Death may occur with large amounts of blood loss or bleeding in critical areas such as the brain.
  
• Any child suspected of having a bleeding disorder should be seen by a doctor for a thorough exam.

TREATMENT:

• Blood transfusions maybe used to correct the parts of the blood that are too low or missing. Blood transfusions can be used to prevent and/or stop bleeding.
  
• The use of ice or a cold cloth on an injection site after immunizations or medications will greatly reduce the bleeding and bruising.
  
• A child can wear padded clothing to reduce the number of bruises and injuries. Well-fitting shoes and socks prevent injuries to the feet.
  
• The use of foam padding on chairs, tables and other sharp corners will reduce injuries.  Netted crib covers can prevent falls out of bed.
  
• For nosebleeds apply pressure over the bridge of the nose and have child lean forward to prevent blood running down the back of the throat.
  
• When a child is injured and bleeding, raise the arm or leg if possible. Apply gentle pressure and cold compresses on the bleeding site.
  
• In the event of a fall with an injury to the head or abdomen, the child should be seen immediately by a doctor.  Any person with hemophilia who has a significant injury anywhere on the body should be evaluated at a hospital regardless of the severity of the disease.
  
• If a child has blood in his or her urine, see a doctor and have him or her drink plenty of fluids to ensure hydration.
  
• In adolescent females extra caution should be taken to prevent injuries during menstruation.
  
• Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can worsen the bleeding. Acetaminophen may be used for pain or inflammation.