Hemophilia
Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of a specific blood clotting factor, most commonly Factor VIII (hemophilia A) or Factor IX (hemophilia B). This deficiency causes prolonged or spontaneous bleeding, particularly into joints and muscles. It is diagnosed through clotting factor assays and managed with factor replacement therapy and bleed-prevention strategies.
Understanding Hemophilia
Normal blood clotting depends on a cascade of proteins called clotting factors working together to form a stable clot. Hemophilia occurs when one of these factors, usually Factor VIII or Factor IX, is missing or present at very low levels, so clots form slowly or incompletely. It is an X-linked inherited condition, meaning it mostly affects males, while females are typically carriers, though some carriers can also experience mild bleeding symptoms.
Hemophilia is classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on the percentage of normal clotting factor activity in the blood. Severe hemophilia is associated with spontaneous bleeding, particularly into joints such as the knees, elbows, and ankles, a problem called hemarthrosis. Repeated joint bleeds, if not adequately prevented or treated, can cause long-term joint damage, which is why early and consistent management matters.
Modern hemophilia care centres on regular clotting factor replacement, given either on-demand when a bleed occurs or prophylactically on a set schedule to prevent bleeds before they happen. Coordinated care that combines factor replacement, joint monitoring, and physiotherapy helps reduce the long-term impact of the condition on mobility and quality of life.
Signs of Hemophilia to watch for
When to see a haematologist
A family history of hemophilia combined with unusual bruising or bleeding after routine injections in an infant should prompt clotting factor testing.
Joint swelling, pain, or warmth without clear trauma in someone with known or suspected hemophilia needs urgent evaluation.
Any head injury in a person with hemophilia should be treated as a medical emergency because of the risk of internal bleeding.
Heavy or prolonged bleeding after dental procedures or minor surgery, especially with a family history of bleeding problems, warrants specialist assessment.
Tests offered at the centre
Clotting Factor Assays
Measures Factor VIII or Factor IX activity levels in the blood, confirming the diagnosis and classifying severity as mild, moderate, or severe.
Coagulation Screen (aPTT and related tests)
Initial blood tests that assess how well the blood clots, helping identify a clotting factor deficiency before more specific factor testing.
Inhibitor Testing (Bethesda Assay)
Checks for antibodies (inhibitors) that can develop against replacement clotting factor, which is important for guiding treatment in patients already on factor therapy.
Genetic Testing and Carrier Screening
Identifies the specific gene mutation involved and helps determine carrier status in at-risk female family members, supporting family planning decisions.
Treatment options
Your treatment plan is personalized to your diagnosis, subtype and overall health.
Factor Replacement Therapy
Clotting factor concentrate is given either on-demand to treat a bleed or on a regular prophylactic schedule to prevent bleeding episodes, tailored to severity.
Desmopressin (DDAVP)
A medication that can temporarily raise Factor VIII levels, used for select patients with mild hemophilia A, particularly around minor procedures.
Bleed and Joint Management
Physiotherapy and joint protection strategies help preserve joint function and reduce the impact of repeated bleeds over time.
Inhibitor Management
When inhibitors to replacement factor develop, alternative treatment strategies are used to control and prevent bleeding.
Genetic Counselling
Supports families in understanding inheritance patterns and planning for future pregnancies with informed risk awareness.
Why choose AP Blood & Blood Cancer Centre
Hemophilia requires consistent, structured long-term care rather than one-off treatment, including factor level monitoring, bleed management planning, and joint health follow-up. As a single-specialty haematology centre, this ongoing management is delivered within one focused clinical relationship.
Dr. Amarnadh Polisetty, MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DNB (Clinical Haematology), has over 7 years of experience in clinical haematology, with a background that includes management of complex bleeding and clotting disorders as part of broader haematology practice. Treatment plans for hemophilia are personalized to severity and bleeding pattern, with attention to joint protection and family counselling alongside factor replacement.
Common questions about Hemophilia
Medically reviewed by Dr. Amarnadh Polisetty, MD, DNB (Clinical Haematology)
Last reviewed on 1 July 2026
Concerned about bleeding or joint symptoms?
Unexplained bleeding, bruising, or joint swelling should be evaluated by a clinical haematologist to determine whether a clotting factor deficiency is involved.