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Hemophilia A and B

Hemophilia A

Also known as factor VIII deficiency, Hemophilia A is one of the most common and severe inherited bleeding disorders. Linked to the X chromosome and deficiencies in a blood-clotting protein, hemophilia is characterized by slow clot formation following surgery, dental work or injury and is classified as mild, moderate or severe.

Hemophilia is the more common in males, affecting 1 in 5,000. Of those, 85 percent have factor VIII, which can remain undiagnosed until a child begins to crawl or walk. In severe cases, spontaneous bleeding into enclosed body cavities such as joints (hemarthroses), is a hallmark of the condition. It appears that patients with Hemophilia A do not produce enough blood-clotting protein.

Hemophilia B

Like Hemophilia A, Hemophilia B is one of the most common and severe bleeding disorders. Recognized as factor IX deficiency, its symptoms mirror those of Hemophilia A. In males with the condition, roughly 10 to 15 percent have a factor IX deficiency. Research shows that nearly half of all patients with Hemophilia B make a dysfunctional clotting protein.

Injury prevention is key, and patients are advised to avoid aspirin and similar non-steroidal medications. Long-term, patients with either condition can expect chronic joint deterioration and are at higher risk for infectious diseases transmitted by transfusion, such as Hepatitis C and HIV.