HAEMOPHILIA
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In the case of severe hemophilia, the
first bleeding event usually occurs prior to eighteen months of age.
In some babies, hemophilia is suspected immediately, when a routine
circumcision (removal of the foreskin of the penis) results in
unusually heavy bleeding. Toddlers are at particular risk, because
they fall frequently, and may bleed into the soft tissue of their
arms and legs. These small bleeds result in bruising and noticeable
lumps, but don't usually need treatment. As a child becomes more
active, bleeding may occur into the muscles; a much more painful and
debilitating problem. These muscle bleeds result in pain and
pressure on the nerves in the area of the bleed. Damage to nerves
can cause numbness and decreased ability to use the injured limb.
Some of the most problematic and frequent bleeds occur into the
joints, particularly into the knees and elbows. Repeated bleeding
into joints can result in scarring within the joints and permanent
deformities. Individuals may develop arthritis in joints which have
suffered continued irritation from the presence of blood. Mouth
injuries can result in compression of the airway, and, therefore,
can be life-threatening. A blow to the head, which might be totally
insignificant in a normal individual, can result in bleeding into
the skull and brain. Because the skull has no room for expansion,
the hemophiliac individual is at risk for brain damage due to blood
taking up space and exerting pressure on the delicate brain tissue.
People with hemophilia are at very high risk of hemorrhage (severe,
heavy, uncontrollable bleeding) from injuries (such as motor vehicle
accidents) and also from surgery. |
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| HAEMOPHILIA RELATED ITEMS |
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