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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffWhile there's no cure for hemophilia, most people with the disease can lead fairly normal lives.
Hemophilia treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition:
- Mild hemophilia A. Treatment may involve slow injection of the hormone desmopressin (DDAVP) into a vein to stimulate a release of more clotting factor to stop the bleeding. Occasionally, desmopressin is given as a nasal medication.
- Moderate to severe hemophilia A or hemophilia B. Bleeding may stop only after an infusion of clotting factor derived from donated human blood or from genetically engineered products called recombinant clotting factors. Repeated infusions may be needed if the internal bleeding is serious.
- Hemophilia C. Plasma infusions are needed to stop bleeding episodes.
Regular, preventive infusions of a clotting factor two or three times a week may help prevent bleeding. This approach may reduce time spent in the hospital and away from home, work or school, and limit side effects such as damage to joints. Your doctor or child's doctor can train you to perform infusions of desmopressin or of the clotting factor at home, work or school.
If internal bleeding has damaged joints, physical therapy can help them function better. Therapy can preserve their mobility and help prevent frozen or badly deformed joints. In cases where repeated bouts of internal bleeding has damaged or destroyed joints, an artificial joint may be needed.
For minor cuts
If you or your child experiences a small cut or scrape, using pressure and a bandage will generally take care of the wound. For small areas of bleeding beneath the skin, use an ice pack.
- Ferri FF. Hemophilia. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/127220953-8/819378765/1701/258.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-04134-8..50011-2--subchapter13_5514. Accessed March 21, 2009.
- Hoots KW, et al. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of hemophilia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 21, 2009.
- Hemophilia. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hemophilia/hemophilia_what.html. Accessed March 21, 2009.
- Hemophilia. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec11/ch136/ch136d.html. Accessed March 21, 2009.
- Hoots KW, et al. Treatment of hemophilia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 21, 2009.
- Kessler CM. Hemorrhagic disorders: Coagulation factor deficiencies. In: Goldman L, et al., eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:697.
- Pruthi RK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 9, 2009.
