Haematology

In people with bleeding disorders, the blood clotting process does not work properly. As a result, people may bleed for longer than normal and may have bleeding into joints, muscles or other parts of the body.

In haemophilia A, haemophilia B and von Willebrand disease (VWD), specific proteins required for the blood clotting process are missing or do not work as they should.

Types of bleeding disorders

Haemophilia A

Haemophilia A is a rare bleeding disorder caused by low or missing clotting factor VIII (FVIII), a protein needed for blood to clot properly. It mainly affects males and occurs in around 1 in 5,000 male births, or 1 in 10,000 people overall.

The condition is usually inherited from a parent (known as congenital haemophilia A), but in some cases it can develop later in life without a family history (acquired haemophilia A). Haemophilia A is diagnosed with a blood test that measures FVIII levels.

Haemophilia A can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on how much FVIII a person has. People with severe haemophilia A have less than 1% of the normal FVIII level.

Haemophilia B

Haemophilia B is a rare bleeding disorder caused by low or missing clotting factor IX (FIX), another protein essential for blood clotting. It is diagnosed using a blood test that measures FIX levels.

The signs and symptoms of haemophilia B are very similar to those of haemophilia A. Haemophilia B can affect both males and females, although males are more likely to experience symptoms because of the way the condition is inherited.

Von Willebrand disease

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a common bleeding disorder caused by low or poorly functioning von Willebrand factor (VWF). VWF helps platelets in the blood stick together to form a clot when bleeding occurs. When VWF is missing or does not work properly, bleeding can last longer than normal.

VWD affects both males and females and is usually less severe than haemophilia. Many people have mild symptoms, which can make the condition harder to recognise and diagnose. Most people with VWD live normal lives, but bleeding may become a concern during situations such as surgery, dental procedures, childbirth, serious injury, or heavy periods.

There are different types of VWD, and symptoms can vary between individuals. Knowing the type of VWD is important to help ensure the right treatment is given.

Do I bleed too much?

If you think you might have VWD, you can complete a simple online bleeding questionnaire at VWDtest.com.

Bleeding disorder treatment

Treatment for bleeding disorders aims to replace the clotting factor that is missing or not working properly.

Depending on individual needs, treatment may be given on demand to stop bleeding when it occurs, or as preventive (prophylactic) therapy, which is given regularly—often two or three times a week—to help prevent bleeding episodes.

With appropriate treatment and care, many people with bleeding disorders are able to lead active, fulfilling lives.