Treatment Options Based on Type and Severity of Hemophilia
There have been remarkable advances in the treatment of hemophilia over the past few decades. Today, children with hemophilia who receive comprehensive care can now look forward to a near-normal life expectancy if bleeds are treated appropriately.
If you or your child has moderate or severe hemophilia, you will typically administer some of the clotting factor that is missing in the body. You may do this in a preventative manner (prophylaxis) or only following bleeds (on-demand or episodic). There are many different clotting factor products to choose from for both hemophilia A and hemophilia B, including some which are longer-lasting, and which may require fewer infusions per week or during a bleed. The staff at IHTC can help you make the best decision for your circumstances.
If you or your child has mild hemophilia A, then another option may be available for you: desmopressin (DDAVP) administered either as an injection or inhaled through your nose. DDAVP is only suitable if you or your child has mild factor VIII deficiency or hemophilia A.
A test dose is needed to determine if you have an adequate response to this product. There are also side effects to this medication that may prevent some patients from using it. In these cases, or if you or your child has mild FIX or hemophilia B, you must use replacement clotting factor concentrates instead.