New Delhi: Hemophilia involves excessive bleeding and bruising, but did you know it can lead to some surprising and dangerous complications? Unfortunately, many people do not realize that there are more hidden dangers that are not easily identified. Some of these complications are not very well known and, if not treated, can cause serious harm. Dr. Dharma Choudhary, Vice Chairman, Hematology Oncology, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, explained how hemophilia contributes to complications in the long run.
Hemophilia, a rare bleeding disorder that prevents blood from clotting properly, affects approximately 815,100 individuals worldwide. The severity of the condition is not fixed, though even the mild form of the condition can bring about severe complications in the health of the affected individual. Although people are aware of the signs, such as bleeding and bruising, other less apparent effects can significantly affect a person’s life.
To help you or your loved one avoid the worst-case scenarios of hemophilia, this article will cover five lesser-known complications of the disease. The importance of the early detection and the consequent treatment of the disorder is crucial for its successful outcome.
- Compartment Syndrome: Compartment syndrome is a condition that results from bleeding within a specific muscle that is surrounded by a tough connective tissue, which causes raised pressure within the muscles, compromising blood circulation and damaging nerves and other tissues. This can be initiated in people with hemophilia by even a slight injury. It is a medical emergency that typically needs urgent management with the possible use of surgery to reduce the pressure. It is important to note that a delay in seeking medical attention may lead to muscle and nerve damage that may be permanent.
- Hemophilic Pseudotumor: A hemophilic pseudotumor is a relatively rare but potentially life-threatening condition characterized by hemorrhosis, which is bleeding into soft tissues or bones. Eventually, the blood accumulates and forms a mass that resembles a tumor. This can lead to bone destruction, deformities, or even functional impairment. In some cases, surgical intervention may be required to remove the mass, or if it becomes malignant, radiation therapy may be required.
- Intracranial Hemorrhage Without Trauma: In severe hemophilia, intracranial bleeding without any injury is highly fatal and requires immediate medical attention. Some of the signs and symptoms may include persistent headache, vomiting, seizures, or alterations in mental status. While external bleeding episodes are easier to detect, these do not manifest in the same way and can remain concealed until complications arise. It is critical to seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid long-term neurological consequences.
- Inhibitor Development: Hemophilia A and B patients may develop antibodies that can block the effectiveness of the clotting factors. This makes standard replacement therapy ineffective and substantially raises the likelihood of an uncontrolled bleeding occurrence. Patients with inhibitors have to be treated with bypassing agents or immune tolerance therapy, which are more costly and cumbersome.
- Chronic Joint Disease (Hemophilic Arthropathy): While joint damage is a well-acknowledged complication of hemophilia, people often fail to realize the severity of chronic joint deterioration resulting from repeated hemorrhages. Joint diseases are a long-term health condition that causes pain, decreases the ability to move, and may lead to disability. In some instances, the joint may be severely damaged and necessitate a joint replacement surgery that is more dangerous in hemophilia patients.
Hemophilia is not just the external bleeding and the bruises that are apparent to the naked eye. If these complications are not identified, they may result in chronic organ dysfunction or death. Preventive measures such as early diagnosis, periodic follow-up, and proper coordination with haematologists and orthopaedic surgeons can effectively reduce these complications. For patients and caregivers, awareness is the key to safer and more preventive practices.
World Hemophilia Day: Hemophilia is not just the external bleeding and the bruises that are apparent to the naked eye. If these complications are not identified, they may result in chronic organ dysfunction or death. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
