Treatments



Standard treatment involves replacing the missing clotting factor. The amount of factor VIII concentrates needed depends on how severe the bleeding is, the site of the bleeding, and the size of the patient. Mild hemophilia may be treated with desmopressin (DDAVP), which helps the body release factor VIII that is stored within the lining of blood vessels. To prevent a bleeding crisis, people with hemophilia and their families can be taught to give factor VIII concentrates at home at the first signs of bleeding. People with severe forms of the disease may need regular preventative treatment. Depending on the severity of the disease, DDAVP or factor VIII concentrate may be given before having dental extractions and surgery to prevent bleeding. Immunization with hepatitis B vaccine is necessary because of the increased risk of exposure to hepatitis due to frequent blood infusions. Patients who develop an inhibitor to factor VIII may require treatment with other clotting factors such as factor VIIa, which can help with clotting even without any factor VIII.