Hemophilia

Overview

Hemophilia is a rare bleeding disorder in which a protein needed for proper blood clotting is missing or at a low level. Types include hemophilia A — low or no clotting factor 8 (VIII); hemophilia B — low or no clotting factor 9 (IX); and hemophilia C — low or no clotting factor 11 (XI). Hemophilia A is the most common type. Bleeding disorders can be mild, moderate or severe.

Hemophilia A or B almost always occurs in boys and is passed from mother to son through a gene. The gene that causes hemophilia C can be passed on to both boys and girls by either parent. Although usually inherited, in some cases hemophilia is caused by a change in the person's own gene (spontaneous gene mutation) rather than a parent's gene. Rarely, hemophilia develops later in life (acquired hemophilia) from an immune system problem that usually gets better with proper treatment. Most people can live fairly normal lives by receiving regular infusions of whichever clotting factor is low or missing.

Signs and symptoms of hemophilia vary, depending on the severity, but may include bleeding for a long time after an injury, many large or deep bruises, internal bleeding that can damage organs and tissues, and other symptoms. Females who have the affected gene (carriers of the disease) can have symptoms if their clotting factors are below the normal range. Carriers can also have heavy menstrual periods and excessive postpartum bleeding.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for hemophilia

• Comprehensive Hemophilia Center. Because hemophilia is rare, it's vital to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment by experienced specialists. The Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Hemophilia Center specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hemophilia and other bleeding disorders, tailoring treatment to your needs.
• Team approach. Mayo's multispecialty treatment team may include doctors from hematology, orthopedics, family medicine or internal medicine, and physical medicine and rehabilitation, along with hemophilia nurses and social workers.
• Genetic testing and counseling. Mayo Clinic performs genetic testing for hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. These tests are particularly useful for expectant parents and obstetricians and for genetic counseling.

Mayo Clinic: Answers you can trust

At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.

Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care — and trusted answers — like they've never experienced.

Why Choose Mayo Clinic
What Sets Mayo Clinic Apart

Read more about hemophilia.