Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Treatment of Haemophilia

Factor VIII is a protein substance, a globulin. The substance can be isolated from donated blood and given to haemophiliacs to control their bleeding tendency. Unfortunately, factor VIII is active only for a short period – it loses half its activity after only 12 hours – so repeated injections are necessary.

The severity of haemophilia varies with the level of natural factor VIII activity in the individual. In severe cases the levels are less than five per cent of normal, and they may be less than two per cent of normal. The level of clotting-factor activity determines the need for replacement therapy, and the dosage. The replacement factors are given by slow injection into a vein.

Injections may be given on a regular basis, this helps prevent bleeding and minimise joint damage, or only when the bleeding occurs.A fairly recent development involves treatment is with genetically engineered factor VIII, ‘recombinant’ clotting factor, rather than donated human factor VIII.

• HaemophiliaHaemorrhoidsHair lossHand, foot and mouth diseaseHangoverHay feverHead injuryHead liceHeadacheHealth and safety at workHealth recordsHearing and vision tests for childrenHearing impairmentHearing testsHeart attackHeart blockHeart failureHeart lung transplantHeartburnHeatstrokeHepatitisHepatitis AHepatitis BHepatitis CHernia, hiatusHernia, inguinalHiccupHip replacementHIV and AIDSHome testsHomeopathyHormone replacement therapyHospitals, admissionHospitals, childrenHospitals, dischargeHughes syndromeHuntington's diseaseHydrocephalusHydronephrosisHyperglycaemiaHyperlipidaemia and lipid-lowering medicinesHypoglycaemiaHypothermiaHysterectomy

  ---