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Haemophilia - Myths vs. Fact and Diagnosis
Pathology
Mon Aug 07 2023
Haemophilia is generally a genetic bleeding disorder wherein blood fails to clot adequately. It can cause sudden bleeding and even bleeding followed by injuries or surgery. Blood consists of multiple proteins known as clotting factors that can stop the bleeding.
At Manipal TRUtest, we understand the importance of a critical disease like Haemophilia and the impact it has on the lives of people living with Haemophilia. Haemophilia is a rare genetic disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot. This means that even a small injury can cause excessive bleeding, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
People living with Haemophilia face unique challenges in their daily lives, including the need for regular monitoring of their condition, the management of bleeding episodes, and the importance of avoiding injuries that could trigger bleeding. At Manipal TRUtest, we offer a range of diagnostic testing to support people with Haemophilia and their families.
People with Haemophilia require regular testing to monitor their condition and ensure that they are receiving the appropriate treatment. Here are some of the most common tests that are recommended for people with Haemophilia:
Factor level testing: It consists of Factor VIII & Factor IX testing. This test measures the amount of clotting factor in the blood. Factor levels are an essential indicator of how well your treatment is working and help determine the appropriate dose of factor replacement therapy. Factor VIII & IX help to categorize mild, moderate & severe Haemophilia.
Bleeding time test: This test measures the time it takes for a small cut to stop bleeding. People with Haemophilia usually have a prolonged bleeding time, and this test can help your healthcare provider assess your bleeding risk and make adjustments to your treatment plan.
Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test measures the number and quality of blood cells in your body. A CBC can help identify any changes in your blood that may indicate a complication, such as an infection or inflammation.
Inhibitor testing: Inhibitors are antibodies that can develop in response to factor replacement therapy. Inhibitors can reduce the effectiveness of treatment and increase the risk of bleeding. Inhibitor testing is done periodically to monitor the presence of inhibitors in your blood.
Joint imaging: People with Haemophilia are at risk of developing joint damage and arthritis due to repeated bleeding into the joints. Imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or CT Scans/ MRIs, can help your healthcare provider assess the extent of joint damage and develop a treatment plan.
It is important to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine which tests are necessary and how frequently they should be performed. Regular testing is essential to manage Haemophilia effectively and ensure that you are receiving the best possible care.
Myths VS Facts
Myth: Those with Haemophilia will bleed to death if they suffer a cut.
Fact: The truth is that not all bleeds are life-threatening. People with Haemophilia may experience bruising or bleeding into their muscles and joints, which can cause long-term damage if it happens frequently.
Myth: Everyone with Haemophilia will become disabled.
Fact: People with Haemophilia may avoid frequent joint bleeds and long-term joint damage if they receive proper preventative (prophylactic) treatment.
Myth: Children with Haemophilia always have a family history of Haemophilia.
Fact: Haemophilia is generally hereditary, one-third of cases appear to rise individually.
Myth: All types of Haemophilia involve a clotting factor VIII deficiency.
Fact: The most common form of Haemophilia is Haemophilia A, caused by a lack of clotting factor VIII. Haemophilia B is caused by a deficiency in factor IX, while a deficiency causes Haemophilia C in factor XI.
Myth: Almost every Haemophilia patient has similar symptoms.
Fact: Symptoms of Haemophilia A vary depending on factor VIII
Myth: Haemophilia A improves over time.
Fact: Haemophilia A is a lifelong bleeding disorder caused by a lack of clotting factor VIII, which does not improve with age.
Myth: People with Haemophilia are unable to participate in sports.
Fact: Those with Haemophilia can participate in various sports, including swimming and running, with proper treatment, but rough contact sports are usually not recommended.
Myth: Only boys and men are affected by Haemophilia.
Fact: Haemophilia gene is linked to chromosome X. Most Haemophilia patients are men. Haemophilia can affect women also, but it is uncommon.
Myth: People with Haemophilia live for a short time.
Fact: People with Haemophilia today can expect to live a near-normal life expectancy if they can manage their Haemophilia properly, life expectancy is only about 10 years less than healthy men.
Myth: Haemophilia can be cured with iron, specific vitamins, and peanuts.
Fact: Haemophilia has no known cure at present. Replacement therapy for the missing clotting factor VIII and non-factor replacement therapies are currently being used.
Myth: People with Haemophilia only have external bleeds, such as those caused by a cut or graze.
Fact: People with Haemophilia can also experience internal bleeding in their elbow, ankle, and knees.
At Manipal TRUtest, the paramedics provide optimum diagnosis and test reports with excellence and accuracy. To get Haemophilia tested, you can opt for the following tests:
- Complete blood count (CBC): Providers use this test to measure and study blood cells.
- Prothrombin time (PT) test: Providers use this test to see how quickly your blood clots.
- Activated partial thromboplastin time test: This is another blood test to time blood clot formation.
- Specific clotting factor test(s): This blood test show levels of specific clotting factor levels - Factor VIII and Factor IX
We look forward to serving you to ensure a world replete with wellness and vitality.
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