What are the long-term health effects of hemophilia?

Question

Hello doctor,

My boy was eight years old when he was diagnosed with moderate hemophilia A after a history of unusual bruising, frequent nosebleeds, and prolonged bleeding from minor injuries since he was a toddler. He suffered a lot in his childhood days; he was not able to be like normal kids, and we restricted him from vigorous physical activity, fearing severe bleeding. But now that he is a teenager, what treatment options are available for him? Currently, he is taking regular infusions of factor VII every two to three weeks. How might this affect my son's future, like career choices and long-term health outcomes? We are very worried about this. Are there any advancements in hemophilia treatment that can improve my son's future?

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Moderate hemophilia (Hemophilia is an inherited blood disorder where a blood clotting factor is missing) is an illness that can be managed. Usually, it does not affect career choices. No occupation, such as gym trainer or sports coach, with strenuous activities or extended flights to other countries, is suitable; otherwise, hemophilia does not affect the carrier.

Later in life, factor demand may increase or decrease, and he must plan a family, which requires him to marry a non-hemophilia carrier. He should seek counseling and instruction about hemophilia; current advances include gene treatment.

Gene therapy (a technique that uses genes to treat, prevent, or cure a disease or medical disorder) is one of the new advances. However, it is currently in testing and may become available to the public in a few years, although it will be exceedingly expensive.

However, if you live in a country with access to such advanced healthcare resources, you may consider getting this treatment.

He must eat a healthy diet and maintain good hemoglobin levels to deal with any blood loss.

I hope this information will help you.

Kindly revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.