WHAT CAUSES HEMOPHILIA?

Hemophilia is a rare genetic disorder that affects the body's ability to form blood clots and heal after injury or surgery. It primarily impacts males, as it is an X-linked recessive condition. The primary cause of hemophilia lies in genetic mutations affecting specific clotting factors essential for normal blood coagulation.

Understanding Hemophilia Triggers

Hemophilia does not have external triggers like environmental or lifestyle factors; instead, its onset is determined by inherited genetic defects. However, certain situations can exacerbate symptoms:

• Injury and Trauma: Physical injuries increase the risk of bleeding in individuals with hemophilia.
• Surgery and Dental Work: Surgical procedures or dental operations can pose significant risks due to potential excessive bleeding.

The Genetics Behind Hemophilia

Hemophilia is predominantly caused by mutations on the X chromosome, which carries genes for clotting factors VIII (hemophilia A) and IX (hemophilia B). Males have one X and one Y chromosome, while females have two X chromosomes. Therefore:

• Males with Hemophilia: If a male inherits an affected X chromosome from his mother, he will develop hemophilia.
• Females as Carriers: Females can be carriers of the gene but rarely exhibit symptoms unless both X chromosomes are affected.

Risk Factors for Hemophilia

The primary risk factor for developing hemophilia is inheriting a defective gene from a parent. Other factors that may influence diagnosis and management include:

• Family History: A family history of bleeding disorders increases the likelihood of being diagnosed with hemophilia.
• Genetic Testing: Genetic testing can confirm or rule out inherited mutations associated with hemophilia.