17/04/2023
Today is World Haemophilia Day.
Haemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder due to deficiency of clotting factors VIII, IX and XI.
Haemophilia A is the commonest and due to deficiency of clotting factor VIII.
Haemophilia B is due to deficiency clotting factor IX.
Haemophilia C is due to deficiency of clotting factor XI.
17th April is also the birthday of Frank Schabel, the founder of the World Haemophilia Foundation.
Haemophilia B is also known as Christmas Disease because the 1st Haemophilia B patient was 5 year old Stephen Christmas.
Males are commonly affected, but also rarely found in females.
Common symptoms include:
Unexplained bleeds from cuts, injuries, after surgery, circumcision, vaccination, dental works etc.
Pain, swelling or tightness in the joints.
Nose bleeds without known cause.
Unexplained infant irritability.
No known cure for now but ongoing research in the area of gene therapy.
Treatment options include:
Fresh Plasma
Cryoprecipitate
Recombinant factor concentrate
Desmopressin Acetate (DDAVP)
'Access to all: Prevention of Bleeds as a Global Standard of Care'!
Join the global effort to prevent bleeds in these unique group patients.
Help in their early Identification/diagnosis and referral to prevent life long and damaging complications to their joints.
Courtesy: Nigerian Medical Association National Committee on Blood Transfusion and Haematological Services.
