Every year on April 17th, World Hemophilia Day is observed worldwide to raise awareness about hemophilia, a rare genetic disorder that affects the body’s ability to clot blood properly. Hemophilia manifests with excessive bleeding, particularly after injuries, due to a deficiency in clotting factors. Understanding how to identify this condition is crucial, and diagnostic tests play a key role in this process.
Understanding Hemophilia
Hemophilia is a genetic disorder characterized by impaired blood clotting, leading to prolonged bleeding episodes. It is more prevalent in males than females. In India, the number of hemophilia patients ranks second globally, with approximately 1.3 lakh affected individuals. Dr. Meet Kumar, Clinical Director of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant at Muringo Asia Hospital, Gurugram, sheds light on the types of hemophilia and essential diagnostic tests for identifying this condition.
Types of Hemophilia
- Hemophilia A: Caused by a deficiency in clotting factor VIII.
- Hemophilia B: Caused by a deficiency in clotting factor IX.
- Hemophilia C: Caused by a deficiency in clotting factor XI (less severe compared to A and B).
Diagnostic Tests for Hemophilia
To initiate treatment for hemophilia, accurate diagnosis is imperative. Doctors first gather the patient’s medical history to understand their condition. Screening tests are then conducted to confirm hemophilia, including:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test examines hemoglobin levels and red blood cell counts. While hemoglobin levels may remain normal in hemophilia patients, a decrease in red blood cell count may indicate heavy bleeding episodes.
- Clotting Factor Test: To diagnose bleeding disorders like hemophilia, a clotting factor test is performed. It assesses the clotting factor levels in the blood, providing insights into hemophilia type and severity.
- Fibrinogen Test: This test determines the blood clot’s ability to form. Additionally, prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time tests are conducted to assess clotting time.
By leveraging these diagnostic tests, healthcare professionals can accurately diagnose hemophilia and tailor treatment plans to manage the condition effectively. Early detection and intervention are crucial for improving patients’ quality of life and preventing complications associated with hemophilia.