HEMOPHILIA
By: Miranda Rose
What is it?
Hemophilia is a rare bleeding disorder that causes the blood not to clot properly. If you have hemophilia, then you may bleed for longer periods of time than others who do not have it. Hemophilia is usually inherited, which means that it can be passed from parents to children through genes.
SYMPTOMS: large or deep bruises, joint pain or swelling, unexplained bleeding or bruising, blood in urine or stool, prolonged bleeding after an injury, nosebleeds without cause, joint tightness, bleeding after immunizations
SYMPTOMS: large or deep bruises, joint pain or swelling, unexplained bleeding or bruising, blood in urine or stool, prolonged bleeding after an injury, nosebleeds without cause, joint tightness, bleeding after immunizations
FACTS:
- Hemophilia is carried on the X chromosome, and it is sex- linked.
- Hemophilia is recessive.
- Changes in the F8 gene are responsible for hemophilia.
- The onset of hemophilia occurs in the womb.
- Hemophilia is variably expressed.
- DNA and blood testing can be done to see if a mother is a carrier.
- Replacement therapy is the main treatment for hemophilia, which concentrates on the clotting factor.