Haemophilia is a hereditary disorder that affects the ability of the body to form blood clots because of deficiency of factor VIII or IX but people with haemophilia can have active, meaningful lives provided they receive a regimen of factor replacement along with a well-organised exercise regimen to strengthen the muscle groups around major joints. With the development of medicine and technology, along with cooperative efforts between patient groups, physicians and the government for improved access to factors, management of this bleeding problem has improved in the last few decades. In an interview with HT lifestyle, Dr Kannan Subramanian, Consultant Hematologist at Sahyadri Speciality Hospital in Pune's Deccan Gymkhana, highlighted the primary risks connected to hemophilia treatment – 1.
Development of Inhibitors: This is one of the most challenging complications in hemophilia treatment. Around 25 to 30% patients develop inhibitors against the clotting factors used in their treatment, particularly those with hemophilia A. These inhibitors can make the standard treatments less effective, necessitating alternative strategies and sometimes more intensive treatments.
2. Viral Transmission: While much safer today due to rigorous screening and the use of synthetic products, there remains but a small risk of viral transmission with plasma-derived treatments. It’s a reminder of the importance of ongoing vigilance in product safety.
3. Joint Damage and Arthropathy: Frequent blee.