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The treatment for hemophilia is done by replacing the clotting factors that are deficient in the person, which is factor VIII, in the case of hemophilia type A, and factor IX, in the case of hemophilia type B, as it is thus possible to prevent bleeding excessive.
Hemophilia is a genetic disease in which there is a decrease in activity or absence of clotting factors, which are proteins present in the blood that are activated when there is a rupture of a blood vessel, preventing excess bleeding. Thus, when making use of the replacement of clotting factors, it is possible for the person with hemophilia to lead a normal life, without many restrictions. Learn more about hemophilia.
Types of treatment
Although there is no cure, the treatment of hemophilia helps to prevent bleeding from occurring frequently, and should be guided by a hematologist and can be done in two different ways:
- Preventive treatment: consists of periodic replacement of clotting factors, so that they are always with increased levels in the body, and prevent possible bleeding. This type of treatment may not be necessary in cases of mild haemophilia, and treatment may only be recommended when there is some type of bleeding.
- Treatment after bleeding: it is the treatment on demand, done in all cases, with the application of the clotting factor concentrate when there is a bleeding episode, which allows it to be resolved more quickly.
In either treatment, doses should be calculated according to body weight, the severity of hemophilia and the levels of clotting factor activity that each person has in their blood. Factor VIII or IX concentrates consist of a powdered ampoule that is diluted with distilled water for application.
In addition, other types of hemostatic agent concentrates can be used to aid in coagulation, such as cryoprecipitate, prothrombin complex and desmopressin, for example. These treatments are performed free of charge by SUS, in the state's hematology centers, simply by being referred by the general practitioner or hematologist.
Treatment in cases of hemophilia with inhibitor
Some hemophiliacs may develop antibodies against the factor VIII or IX concentrate used for treatment, called inhibitors, which can impair treatment response.
In these cases, it may be necessary to carry out a treatment with higher doses, or with the combination of other blood coagulant components.
Care during treatment
People with hemophilia should take the following precautions:
- Practice physical activities, to strengthen muscles and joints, reducing the chances of bleeding. However, it is important to avoid impact sports or violent physical contact;
- Observe the appearance of new symptoms, especially in children, and decrease with treatment;
- Always have medication nearby, especially if traveling;
- Have an identification, such as a bracelet, indicating the disease, for emergency cases;
- Inform the condition whenever you do any procedure, such as vaccine application, dental surgery or medical procedures;
- Avoid medications that facilitate bleeding, such as aspirin, anti-inflammatories and anticoagulants, for example.
In addition, physical therapy should also be part of the treatment of hemophilia, as it promotes improved motor function, decreasing the risk of complications, such as acute hemolytic synovitis, which is an inflammation of the joint due to bleeding, and improves muscle tone, and so it can even decrease the need for blood clotting factors and improve quality of life.