Why are only males affected by hemophilia?
These disorders affect males more often than females because females have an additional X chromosome that acts as a “back-up.” Because males only have one X chromosome, any mutation in the factor VIII or IX gene will result in hemophilia.
How can a female have hemophilia?
Hemophilia is a rare blood disease that usually occurs in males. In fact, it’s extremely rare for women to be born with the condition because of the way it’s passed down genetically. A female would need to inherit two copies of the faulty gene — one from each parent — to develop hemophilia A, B or C.
Why is hemophilia rare in females?
In females (who have two X chromosomes), a mutation would have to occur in both copies of the gene to cause the disorder. Because it is unlikely that females will have two altered copies of this gene, it is very rare for females to have hemophilia.
How are males and females affected by hemophilia?
In males (who have only one X chromosome), one altered copy of the gene in each cell is enough to cause the condition. Since females have two X chromosomes, a mutation must be present in both copies of the gene to cause the hemophilia. Males are affected by X-linked recessive disorders much more frequently than females.
Which is more common hemophilia A or B?
Although it is the most common type of hemophilia, it is a rare condition and it affects about one in every 10,000 males whilst hemophilia B affects one in every 50,000 males.
Can a person develop hemophilia later in life?
In rare cases, a person can develop hemophilia later in life. The majority of cases involve middle-aged or elderly people, or young women who have recently given birth or are in the later stages of pregnancy. This condition often resolves with appropriate treatment.
Do you have to have X chromosome to have hemophilia?
Since females have two X chromosomes, a mutation must be present in both copies of the gene to cause the hemophilia. Males are affected by X-linked recessive disorders much more frequently than females.
What are the risk factors of hemophilia?
However, recent evidence suggests that hemophilia patients can suffer from atherosclerosis, or plaques in the arteries, at a similar rate as the general population. Furthermore, risk factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease, such as hypertension, or high blood pressure, are frequently present in men with severe hemophilia.
What are some interesting facts about hemophilia?
General Facts. The name hemophilia is derived from the Greek words, haima meaning blood, and philia meaning love. The word essentially means “blood loving”, which indicates love for his/her blood by a hemophiliac, as a little cut or bruise could result in the loss of a large quantity of blood.
What are the effects of hemophilia?
Hemophilia mainly affects joints and muscles causing spontaneous bleeding after an injury or cut. Person with hemophilia can experience extended bleeding along with bruising leading to inflamed joints. Digestive problems and abdominal bleeding are the common concerns in people with hemophilia.
How is hemophilia treated?
Haemophilia is usually treated by a team at a specialist haemophilia hospital department. Most cases of haemophilia are severe and need preventative treatment (prophylaxis). This involves regular injections of clotting factor medicine.