Complications in clotting
Find out how haemophilia can dramatically impact the lives of people with the disorder
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About haemophilia A
Haemophilia is a serious, inherited bleeding disorder in which a person’s blood does not clot properly, leading in severe cases to uncontrolled bleeding, either spontaneously or after minor trauma. While a person with haemophilia may not bleed more or faster than a person without haemophilia, they bleed for a longer period of time1 and the recurrent bleeds can lead to significant impairment, especially in their joints.
Haemophilia A is the most common type of haemophilia, affecting approximately 900,000 people around the world.2 People with haemophilia A either lack or have low levels of an essential protein known as factor VIII that plays a crucial role in blood clotting.
When a bleed occurs in a healthy person, factor VIII binds to factors IXa and X, which are critical steps in the formation of a blood clot and help stop bleeding. However, in a person with haemophilia A, the lack or decrease of factor VIII interrupts this process and affects the ability to form a clot. These bleeds can present a significant health concern as they often cause pain and can lead to chronic swelling, deformity, reduced mobility, and long-term joint damage.3 In addition to impacting a person’s quality of life,4 these bleeds can be life threatening if they go into vital organs, such as the brain.5,6
The clotting cascade
The formation of a blood clot is an important process that stops a person from bleeding. Meet "Team Clotting" and learn more about how the clotting cascade works by watching these interactive videos.
Roche in haemophilia
For more than 20 years, Roche has been innovating and delivering medicines for people with diseases of the blood. With the rise of novel therapies within haemophilia, we are working closely with all corners of the global haemophilia community – through our efforts to help improve the provision of treatments for those who need it most; through our dedication towards supporting patients at all stages of their haemophilia journey; and ultimately helping to transform the way haemophilia is treated and managed.
Getting over the ups and downs
Dr Gallia Levy, Associate Group Medical Director at Roche, shares her perspective on the need for sustained bleeding protection in haemophilia A.
mehrAntibodies in haemophilia
Former Roche Chief Medical Officer Sandra Horning discusses Roche's experience with monoclonal antibodies, and how this technology could be used for the treatment of haemophilia A
The history of antibodies
Learn about some of the key milestones in the development and engineering of monoclonal antibodies, and the role they play in medicine.
Roche is consistently striving to be a trusted member of the haemophilia community, transforming the treatment landscape to help all people with haemophilia A live their best lives.
Haemophilia Treatment for All - A partnership for better access
We celebrate the WFH’s Humanitarian Aid Program, and its mission of improving access to treatment in developing countries.
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Learn from haemophilia from patients, caregivers and scientists
In the shoes of a patient
Michael and Mirko share their different perspectives on living with haemophilia A.
Progress in haemophilia: a personal perspective
The haemophilia community is united and strong. Find out more about the haemophilia community and progress being made in the field from Brian O’Mahony, Chief Executive of the Irish Haemophilia Society.
mehrGiving a voice to women in haemophilia
The vital importance of raising awareness about women within the haemophilia community.
References
- Canadian Hemophilia Society. What is hemophilia? 2016. Last accessed 02 December 2020: http://www.hemophilia.ca/en/bleeding-disorders/hemophilia-a-and-b/what-is-hemophilia/.
- Srivastava, A, Santagostino, E, Dougall, A, et al. WFH Guidelines for the Management of Hemophilia, 3rd edition. Haemophilia. 2020: 26(Suppl 6): 1‐ 158. https://doi.org/10.1111/hae.14046
- Franchini M, Mannucci PM. Hemophilia A in the third millennium. Blood Reviews. 2013 Jul;27(4):179-184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.blre.2013.06.002
- Flood, E., Pocoski, J., Michaels, L.A., Bell, J.A., Valluri, S. and Sasanè, R. (2014), Illustrating the impact of mild/moderate and severe haemophilia on health‐related quality of life: hypothesised conceptual models. Eur J Haematol, 93: 9-18. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejh.12328
- Young G. New challenges in hemophilia: long-term outcomes and complications. Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program 2012; 2012: 362–8. https://doi.org/10.1182/asheducation.V2012.1.362.3798344
- Zanon E, Iorio A, Rocino A, et al. Intracranial haemorrhage in the Italian population of haemophilia patients with and without inhibitors. Haemophilia 2012; 18: 39–45. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2516.2011.02611.x