Diagnosing Hemophilia

Pages in this Module
  1. Diagnosing Hemophilia
  2. Your Visit with Bryson
  3. Coagulation
  4. Diagnostic Tests
  5. Laboratory Values
  6. Specimen Handling and Testing
  7. Bryson: Results
  8. Bryson: Review
  9. Bryson: Conclusion
  10. Your Visit with Nolan
  11. Nolan: Conclusion
  12. Summary
Related Pages
April

Hi, I’m April. I’ve been a hemophilia nurse coordinator at this HTC for the past 7 years.

Hemophilia causes delayed bleeding, which can occur spontaneously or after an injury. While deficiencies of any of the clotting proteins can occur, those most common are factor VIII, which is also known as “hemophilia A,” or classic hemophilia and factor IX, also known as “hemophilia B” or “Christmas disease.” Going forward,  I will simply use the term “hemophilia” when referring to both deficiencies. Learning to treat hemophilia patients effectively can be difficult at first. Remember, we want to foster family-centered care for our patients.

The best way to learn is to jump right in. Don’t worry. I will be here to provide feedback on how you are doing.  So let’s get started.

Hemophilia is a sex-linked genetic disorder characterized by the deficiency or absence of one of the clotting proteins in plasma. The disorder can occur in all racial and ethnic groups. Currently, there isn’t a cure for hemophilia, so our goals are to prevent bleeding, recognize bleeding episodes, and provide prompt treatment and  intervention to prevent complications.

You have two patients to see today. Each one will help you increase your skill in diagnosing potential hemophilia patients. Choose a patient to begin.

Bryson
Nolan
Page last reviewed: August 8, 2022
Content source:  National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention