Hemophilia Treatment Options

Hemophilia is considered a genetic condition that is typically inherited from one or both parents via genes. Depending on the type of hemophilia the patient is experiencing, they may be born with very little or no clotting factor. This clotting factor is meant to assist platelets in creating clots after injuries. To understand treatments, you must first understand the causes and different types of the condition

Hemophilia is typically classified as type A and B. The following forms of the condition can be mild, moderate or severe and the type of treatment chosen for the condition will depend on the severity of the condition:

• Type A is typically characterized by low levels of, or completely missing the clotting factor VIII.
• Type B is characterized by low levels of, or completely missing, the clotting factor IX.
• Acquired hemophilia is rare, but possible, for hemophilia to be acquired, meaning that it is developed over a period of time through a person’s life. This type is caused by the body forming antibodies that attack clotting factors and prevent them from being effective in clotting when necessary.

There are several different hemophilia types, just like there are different treatments for hemophilia. There are some standard treatments that a patient will receive on a regular basis, but there are also situational treatments. Since hemophilia is a condition that prevents blood from clotting, even in the case of an accident, hemophilia medications are necessary for patient protection. Here are the most common treatments:

1. Replacement therapy

The primary treatment for hemophilia is referred to as replacement therapy. Using intravenous methods, concentrated forms of the missing or impaired clotting factor are given to the patient. This clotting factor treatment can be made from donor blood that is treated and screened the same as donor blood to prevent transmission of infections. Another option for this therapy is called recombinant clotting factor. This is not derived from human blood, which further reduces the risks associated with using donor blood content. An added benefit of this approach is that it can be used at home. It is easy to store, mix and administer at home, once you receive the training.

2. Hemophilia medications
There are many hemophilia medications available. The type of medication you are prescribed will depend on the type of hemophilia but there are several options:

• Desmopressin, also referred to at DDAVP, is a man-made hormone but it has usage limitations. It is typically only used to treat mild cases of hemophilia A and it is not used to treat forms of hemophilia B. This is typically an injection or nasal spray based medication that helps missing blood clotting factors stay in the blood longer than it normally would in this condition. The treatment is only given under certain circumstances, for example, a trip to the dentist office, where bleeding is a possibility.
• Antifibrinolytic medications are sometimes combined with replacement therapy. Typically given in pill form for regular dosing, their goal is to prevent blood clots from breaking down. Sometimes they are provided to patients who will have dental work, but they are also provided for nosebleeds and other minor bleeding episodes.
• Gene therapy is not an accepted treatment because it is still being developed. However, the goal of the research is to locate and correct faulty genes.
• Situational treatments, which require an understanding of your disease and the way your body reacts. Your doctor will be able to provide you with the necessary prescriptions to ensure your condition is well managed.