HAEMOPHILIA IN FOCUS
Haemophilia is a disorder in which a person’s blood is unable to clot normally. In normal blood, proteins called clotting factors work together to form a clot whenever bleeding occurs. A person with haemophilia lacks or doesn’t have enough of a certain clotting factor so the blood can’t make a clot. Dr Ferose Pallimanhayalil, the past secretary of the Haemophilia Society in Kerala, India, who coordinates the society’s activities in the UAE, tells us more about the disorder: What are the signs and symptoms of haemophilia?
The extent of your symptoms depends on the severity of your factor deficiency. People with a mild deficiency may bleed in the case of trauma, while those with a severe deficiency may bleed for no reason.
Different types of clotting factors are associated with different varieties of haemophilia. The main treatment for severe haemophilia involves receiving replacement of the specific clotting factor that the patient needs. This replacement therapy can combat a bleeding episode that’s in progress. It can also be administered on a regular schedule at home to prevent bleeding episodes. Some people receive continuous replacement therapy.
How is it diagnosed?
Haemophilia is diagnosed by taking a blood sample and measuring the level of factor activity in the blood. Haemophilia A is diagnosed by testing the level of coagulation activity of factor VIII in the blood. Haemophilia B is diagnosed by measuring the level of factor IX activity.
How does having haemophilia affect the everyday life of patients?
Haemophilia patients face numerous challenges, including difficulty in controlling bleeding episodes, deterioration of joints, arthritic pain, physical disability, emotional turmoil and social issues. High-intensity treatment regimens often used for patients with inhibitors also impose significant economic and emotional demands on patients, their families and/or primary caregivers.
How can our readers go about seeking medical advice in the UAE?
In the UAE, treatments are available at haematology departments of major hospitals.
Patients wanting to join the activities of the Heamophilia Society can contact 055 991 0852 to join the Whatsapp group. Visit wfh.org for more information.