What is Hemophilia A?
Haemophilia A is caused by a missing or dysfunctional clotting factor VIIl. Although haemophilia A is usually inherited, a spontaneous mutation of the person’s own genes is responsible for about 30% of cases.
Hemophilia A affects about one in 12,000 people worldwide. In Switzerland, approximately 600 people are affected by haemophilia A of varying degrees of severity. Haemophilia A is diagnosed by measuring the factor VIII activity in the blood. Depending on the factor VIII activity measured, the severity of haemophilia A is categorised as mild, moderate or severe. About one-third of patients suffer from the most severe form of this disease. Patients with haemophilia A have prolonged bleeding after injuries, operations, and dental treatment. In severe cases, there may also be spontaneous bleeding, that is to say, bleeding for no obvious reason.
What is Hemophilia B?
Haemophilia B is less common than haemophilia A and arises when a person does not have enough clotting factor IX. Although haemophilia B is usually hereditary, a spontaneous mutation of the person’s own genes is responsible for about 30% of cases.
Hemophilia B affects about one in 50,000 people worldwide. In Switzerland, approximately 70 people are affected by haemophilia B. The severity of haemophilia B is categorised as mild, moderate or severe, depending on the factor IX activity measured in the blood. About one-third of patients suffer from the severe form of this disease. Patients with haemophilia B have prolonged bleeding after injuries, operations, and dental treatment.
Treatments of haemophilia A as well as of haemophilia B are extremely effective. With the correct treatment and medical care, patients with haemophilia A or B can lead a completely healthy and normal life.
