Hemophilia A is the most common type of hemophilia, comprising about 80% of hemophilia cases. In two-thirds of cases, hemophilia A is an inherited bleeding disorder and the disposition is known (positive family history). The other one-third of cases are due to new mutations, where the family history will be negative.
Symptoms of Hemophilia A
People born with hemophilia A are usually males, because the gene is located on the X-chromosome. Females have two X-chromosomes, one of which is usually a healthy X-chromosome, which compensates for a potentially defective Factor VIII (FVIII) gene on the other (this makes them carriers of hemophilia A). This is not the case in males, who have an X- and a Y-chromosome.
The symptoms of hemophilia A may vary from occasional to frequent spontaneous bleedings. Acquired hemophilia A occurs when non-hemophiliacs form antibodies against FVIII. Triggers for acquired hemophilia A may include pregnancy or other medical conditions. Overdosing of anti-thrombotic medication may also lead to bleeding symptoms.
The most common hemophilia A symptoms are:
- Bruising easily (for example, an infant born with hemophilia A may bruise simply from being lifted.)
- Bleeding in the mouth from a cut or bite or from losing a tooth
- Heavy nosebleeds (epistaxis) for no obvious reason
- Heavy bleeding from a minor cut
- Cuts that bleed again after they have already stopped for a short time
- Blood in the urine or stool, resulting from bleeding in internal organs
- Tightness, swelling, warmth and/or pain in the joints
For more information about hemophilia A treatment options, please visit the following resources:
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Last Updated:
2/16/2011 10:35 AM