Complications Doctors Encounter While Treating a Hemophiliac Patient

Hemophilia is a genetic disease with many things for the hemophiliac's doctor to have to consider. In layman's terms, a person with Hemophilia lack a clotting factor, thus the bleeding and need for blood products. There is no cure for this disease, but treatment is imperative and helps with the patient's quality of life. Part of this treatment is IV manufactured clotting factor. There are complications doctors have to consider, and discuss with their patients during treatment though.

Complications While Treating Hemophilia-The Most Serious-HIV

The number of adults in the United States with severe Hemophilia that are HIV positive is an astounding 90%. Although screening is much better now than it was in past times, nothing is 100% safe, and that includes blood supply. After many severe infections like HIV and Hepatitis in the 1970's and the 1980's, the blood supply screening standard was changed. When there is blood needed, Hemophiliacs may be given plasma-derived FVIII concentrate. According to Dimitrios P Agaliotis, MD, PhD, FACP: "As many as 20,000 donors may contribute to a single lot of plasma-derived FVIII concentrate.".

Complications While Treating Hemophilia-The Unpredictability of the Disease

Hemophilia is a very unpredictable disease. Each patient needs a unique approach depending on their body' s needs, their lifestyle and even what treatments they may or may not agree to. Because of this, and the incidence of hemophilia, it is next to impossible to have a uniform course of treatment.

Complications While Treating Hemophilia-Musculoskeletal Problems

Doctors need to watch the hemophiliac patient very carefully for any Musculoskeletal problems. This is because these patients do not only bleed out, they also bleed in, mostly at major joints. This causes deformities with said joints if not taken care of immediately. Even some while caught early, have permanent disfigurement in their joints due to this problem. Patients who are pro-active and receive physical therapy and do special exercises at home for the joints usually affected by this do have a better outcome.

Complications While Treating Hemophilia-Immunosuppressive Drugs Side Effects

Hemophilia is an autoimmune disease. As such, by treating with immunosuppressive drugs, doctors and researchers found exciting results with this treatment. Unfortunately, there are many complications to Immunosuppressive Drugs. Rituximab is one drug used whose complications can be severe. It is known to have complications of the mucus membranes and the skin. The worst is that it suppresses maybe too well, and the receiving patient can become a host to many serious infections.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2663620/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18026037