World Haemophilia Day 2024: Recognising And Managing Common Co-occurring Conditions

Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that occurs due to a shortage of certain proteins, called clotting factors in the blood. A few common co-occurring conditions in individuals with hemophilia are –

World Haemophilia Day 2024

Intracranial Haemorrhage: Intracranial haemorrhage pertains to bleeding within the skull, especially into the brain tissue or the areas around the brain. This acute complication of hemophilia usually develops post head injuries or even suddenly in serious headaches, nausea, and seizures are some of the prevailing symptoms. (Image source: getty images)

Inhibitor Development: Inhibitors are antibodies that counteract the functioning of clotting factors, especially factor VIII in people with hemophilia A or factor IX in people with hemophilia B. Inhibitors occur in a section of individuals, usually because of exogenous factor replacement therapy. Inhibitors complexify the treatment by decreasing the efficacy of factor replacement therapy, and escalating the risk of bleeding complications, compelling doctors to alternative treatments such as immune tolerance induction therapy. (Image source: getty images)

Muscle Hematomas: Muscle hematomas are blood accumulation in the muscle tissue, which happens due to excessive bleeding in cases of hemophilia. Hematomas are observed to be painful, swollen, and tender areas of the affected muscle. Muscle Hematomas are known to constrict the area around tissues and nerves, causing further complications. (Image source: getty images)

Hemophilic Arthropathy: Hemophilic arthropathy is a involves joint damage due to recurrent bleeding into the joints. hemophilia is known to specifically impact knees, ankles, and elbows. bleeding in the joints makes them stiff, and cause pain and swelling. This has an adverse impact on physical movement and mobility and hinders the quality of life. Individuals with hemohpilic arthopathy need a wide range of strategies to manage and take special care of their joints.(Image source: getty images)

Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Bleeding in the digestive tract may develop in people with hemophilia because of numerous reasons like gastrointestinal ulcers, gastritis, and vascular abnormalities. In such cases, individuals might show symptoms such as pain in the abdomen, Anaemia, and bloody stools. Gastrointestinal bleeding can vary from mild to fatal, depending on the underlying factors and amount of bleeding. (Image source: getty images)

Treatment Complications: During the treatment for hemophilia, individuals often end up getting infections, allergies, and inhibitor development. These are often seen in cases of factor replacement therapy or bypassing agents. Allergic reactions to clotting factor concentrates may develop as hives, itching, rash, wheezing, or even anaphylaxis. (Image source: getty images)

Inputs by: Dr. Rahul Agrwal Consultant Internal Medicine CARE Hospitals Hitech City, Hyderabad (Image source: getty images)