3 Popular Treatment Options for Hemophilia
Hemophilia is a complex blood disorder, and it is linked to the X-chromosome. In many cases, it occurs due to genetic mutation, incapacitating the body from clotting and stopping bleeding. The best way to treat the condition is by replacing the absent blood clotting factor so that blood can clot appropriately. The patient requires exemplary medical care. Popular treatment options for hemophilia are offered by experienced doctors depending on the condition.
- Replacement therapy: One of the popular treatment options for hemophilia involves replacing specific missing clotting factor that is required by the body. This includes injecting the clotting factor VIII or IX that is responsible for causing hemophilia A and hemophilia B, respectively. In most cases, they are injected through an intravenous route. The injections help replace the clotting factor that is missing or low. This replacement therapy can also be given to handle a bleeding occurrence. Moreover, it can be administered regularly at home to prevent bleeding incidents. Some people receive continuous replacement therapy. Replacement of clotting factor can be made from donated blood. On the other hand, some common recombinant clotting factors can be manufactured in a laboratory.
- Administering Desmopressin: Desmopressin is a hormone that can stimulate the body to release more clotting factors. In several forms of mild hemophilia, this hormone can be injected slowly into a vein. It can also be provided through a nasal spray. DDAVP and Stimate are medications that are quite similar to this hormone that occur naturally in the body. These medications release factor VIII from where it is stored in the body tissues. This can work to increase VIII levels on its own in people with mild or moderate hemophilia.
- Administering medications: Doctors typically prescribe medications to hemophiliacs for two scenarios: episodic care or prophylactic care. These are among the popular treatment options for hemophilia. Episodic care helps prevent episodes of bleeding in patients. On the other hand, prophylactic care stops the bleeding from occurring again. Treatment products such as Hemlibra works by replacing the function of missing clotting factor rather than replacing it directly. It can be used to either prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes in people with A type of hemophilia. Another product Amicar can be given through a vein or by mouth (as a pill or liquid). This medication prevents blood clots from breaking down, resulting in firmer clots.
The above-mentioned popular treatment options for hemophilia are now easily available. Many veteran health practitioners who have in-depth knowledge about this bleeding infirmity offer high-quality medical care. This can help people suffering from hemophilia prevent severe problems. Today, it is possible for people with hemophilia to learn how to administer their clotting factor products at home.