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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffHemophilia is a disorder of your blood-clotting system. Clotting is the process by which your blood changes from a liquid to a solid state.
There are several types of hemophilia. All types can cause prolonged bleeding. If you have hemophilia and you have a cut, you'll bleed for a longer time than you would if your blood clotted normally. Small cuts usually aren't much of a problem. The greater health concern, particularly with hemophilia A and B, is deep internal bleeding and bleeding into joints.
Hemophilia is a lifelong disease, but with proper treatment and self-care, most people with hemophilia can maintain an active, productive lifestyle.
- Hoots KW, et al. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of hemophilia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 25, 2011.
- Hemophilia. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec11/ch136/ch136c.html#sec11-ch136-ch136d-524. Accessed June 25, 2011.
- Hemophilia. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/hemophilia/hemophilia_all.html. Accessed June 25, 2011.
- Hemophilia facts. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hemophilia/facts.html. Accessed June 25, 2011.
- Factor XI deficiency. National Hemophilia Foundation. http://www.hemophilia.org/NHFWeb/MainPgs/MainNHF.aspx?menuid=54&contentid=54. Accessed June 27, 2011.
- Rodriguez NI, et al. Advances in hemophilia: Experimental aspects and therapy. Hematology and Oncology Clinics of North America. 2010; 24:181.
- Care at comprehensive treatment centers can save lives. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/Features/ComprehensiveCare. Accessed June 25, 2011.
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