Hemophilia is a rare and potentially fatal condition that affects a number of people throughout the world. The disorder causes the blood to not clot properly due to a lack of blood-clotting proteins, which results in excessive bleeding. It requires immediate medical treatment and individuals suffering from this condition often have to be very careful all their lives. A mild cut, internally or externally, can cause uncontrollable bleeding.
Although there are several procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of hemophilia, a complete cure for the same is yet to be discovered.
1. Diagnosis
In most cases, hemophilia occurs in people who pose a family history of the condition. Hence, the diagnosis of the condition requires basic information about the various diseases in the patient’s family history. Here are some of the ways in which hemophilia can be diagnosed.
- Early detection
In case the family has any history of hemophilia, doctors might suggest determining the risks in the fetus. Though it has helped in a number of cases for early treatment or the adoption of preventive measures, it poses a serious threat to the fetus in some cases. - Tests and imaging
This is one of the most preliminary methods used to diagnose hemophilia. Children, teenagers, and adults are advised blood tests to identify any deficiency in the blood clotting factor. Besides, certain imaging tests might also be required in case of any other damage.
2. Treatment
Hemophilia diagnosis and treatment should solely be done at specialty centers. There are innumerable hemophilia specialty diagnostic and care centers that not only help in thorough diagnosis but also to provide the necessary care. Hemophilia patients might also be diagnosed with several other problems, which is why the care centers are furnished with multispecialty treatments which include thorough checkups from orthopedics, dentists, gynecologists, etc. However, the preliminary treatment provided to an individual suffering from the condition can be summed up as follows:
- Factor VIII
Hemophilia can result from a deficiency of the Clotting Factor VIII. Besides, any faulty mechanism in the primary clotting factor can result in this blood disorder. Primary treatment in such cases will require replacement of the blood clotting factor. Periodic replacements are either provided by blood transfusion or through laboratory-engineered medication. - Prophylaxis
Prophylaxis includes thorough treatment for managing and catering to the bleeding phases, which can otherwise be fatal. - Fibrin sealant
One of the modern treatment measures for hemophilia is fibrin sealants that can be applied to the injured region or the wound in order to stop the bleeding and help the blood clot quickly. This is because normally, the blood begins to clot only after a fine fibrin mesh is formed. - Desmopressin injection
Injecting desmopressin helps the body generate more blood clotting factors for quick and effective clotting. These are also modified as nasal sprays that provide instant relief and prevent small cuts from becoming life-threatening. - Therapies and surgeries
These are eventually the last treatment method resorted to, especially in the case of severe internal damage due to bleeding. In such cases, there are high chances of an internal organs getting damaged. If the damage is minor, it can be easily healed by physiotherapy. However, in the case of any fatal injury, the patient might need surgery.
