Difference Between Hemophilia A and Hemophilia B Explained
Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that affects the body's ability to form blood clots, leading to excessive bleeding after injuries or surgeries. Symptoms can include excessive bruising, heavy bleeding after injury or surgery, sudden nosebleeds, internal bleeding causing joint pain, and in severe cases, brain bleeds.
There are two main types of hemophilia: A and B. Hemophilia A accounts for about 80% to 85% of cases, while Hemophilia B is less common, with an estimated frequency of about 1 in 25,000 male births. Hemophilia A is a deficiency in clotting factor VIII (8), while hemophilia B is a deficiency in clotting factor IX (9).
Hemophilia is passed through families in an X-linked recessive manner, affecting men more frequently than women. Women who are carriers of the gene can have some mild symptoms, but they are usually not as severe as those experienced by men with the disease. They also have a 50% chance of passing the gene on to a son and a 50% chance of their daughter being a carrier.
Traditional treatment for hemophilia has involved clotting factor replacement therapy, given as an IV therapy to add the deficient clotting factor to the blood. However, new treatments are emerging that offer hope for those living with the disease.
One such treatment is gene therapy, which replaces the gene responsible for the deficient clotting factor through a one-time infusion, allowing the body to produce the clotting factor on its own. Another medication, Fitusiran, helps boost the body's ability to form blood clots by lowering levels of antithrombin 3.
Emicizumab (Hemlibra®) is a medication for hemophilia A that takes the place of factor VIII and brings factor IX and factor X together, bypassing the need for factor VIII. This medication offers a new approach to treatment and has the potential to improve the lives of those with hemophilia A.
Dr. Martin, a leading expert in the field, shares that there have been several new treatments for hemophilia A and B in recent years. These advancements are opening up new possibilities for those living with the disease and providing hope for a future with fewer complications and improved quality of life.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 33,000 men in the United States have hemophilia. With the development of new treatments, this number may continue to grow as more people are able to access effective care and lead healthier lives.
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