The World Federation of Hemophilia
invites you saying "Be Inspired, Get Involved in Treatment
for All.”
What is hemophilia?
This is an inherited (genetic) blood disorder where the clotting
factor (a protein required for clotting of blood at the site
of bleeding) is either absent completely or present in small
amounts.
Types of hemophilia
The Hemophilia A (Factor VIII deficiency) is also called Classic
Hemophilia. This is the most common form. Hemophilia B (Factor
IX deficiency) is less common and also called Christmas Disease
named after the first person detected with the disorder (Stephen
Christmas).
Magnitude of the disorder
This is predominantly a “male” disorder. The defect
carrying gene is located in the X chromosome and women can
be carriers, but are rarely affected by it. Data reveals that
there are 18,000 hemophiliacs in the US and 400 babies are
born each year with hemophilia, but they may be mild, moderate,
or severe sufferers depending upon the amount of the clotting
factor that they may have.
Identifying hemophilia
Easy bruising and excessive bleeding even from a minor cut
or injury is the main symptom. A mild hemophilia is undetected
until in the event of an accident, a tooth extraction, or
a surgery.
What is dangerous?
Bleeding can be externally visible like in nose bleeds or
external cuts, or bleeding in the mouth etc. Internal bleeding
may occur within organs or joints without any obvious injury
and initially they remain asymptomatic until bloody urine
or a painful, hot, swollen joint becomes evident. If left
untreated, may cause permanent damage. More serious is the
bleeding in the brain that may occur with a simple bumping
of the head or a serious injury. There may be vomiting, weakness,
headache or seizure. In any case, treatment must take place
at the earliest.
Treatment modes
1. Replacing the clotting factors using human blood (this
can carry serious viruses into the patient and so the individuals
need to get vaccinated for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis A, B etc.).
2. Using antifibrinolytic medicines like tranexamic acid and
aminocaproic acid with replacement therapy that will help
to hold the blood clot from breaking.
3. The future may be the gene therapy (elimination of the
defective gene).
Word of Caution
The hemophiliacs once detected need regular checks, immunizations,
prompt treatment, and precaution with all bleeding or injury-prone
activities and ensure they can lead a normal life.
Watch the Video: Hemophilia and Kids: A real life story
from You tube
Stop, Stop ... You are asking too much!
Reports say that Japanese, the inventors of Haiku form of
poetry, were able to create interesting Haikus
to replace the impersonal computer error messages - especially
Microsoft’s errors. Here are few scenarios which you would
have experienced and would appreciate the error messages
in Haiku form instead of the original form.
Scenario:
The program you are using suddently crashes. Replacement Error message in Haiku form:
Program aborting:
Close all that you have worked on.
You ask far too much.
Stop!
Stop! (This
line is not part of the Haiku)
Disclaimer: The above content is provided
for information and awareness purpose only. It is not prescriptive
or suggestive or meant to replaces your qualified physician's
advice or consultation.
