Management Guidelines
The World Federation of Hemophilia has established the following guidelines for managing the condition:
- Prevention of bleeding should be the goal
- Acute bleeds should be treated early (within two hours, if possible)
- Home therapy should be used to manage only uncomplicated mild/moderate bleeding episodes
- All severe bleeds should be managed in the clinic or hospital setting
- Clotting factor concentrate replacement should be given prior to any invasive procedures
- As much as possible, patients should avoid trauma by adjusting their lifestyle
- Patients should be advised to avoid use of drugs that affect platelet function
- Intramuscular injections and difficult vein or arterial punctures must be avoided
- Regular exercise should be encouraged to promote strong muscles, protect joints, and improve fitness
- Contact sports should be avoided; non-contact sports are encouraged with appropriate protection
Managing Hemophilia
While hemophilia is a lifelong condition for which there is currently no cure, it can be successfully managed. Factor infusions provide a replacement for the missing clotting factor that can stop and even prevent bleeding episodes. Prompt factor treatment and vigilant monitoring, along with other management strategies, can help minimize serious complications and allow people with hemophilia to live a long and fulfilling life.
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Treating & Managing Bleeds
Bleeding episodes that occur can be controlled with infusions of clotting factor directly into the bloodstream. Today, many people with hemophilia get routine prophylactic factor infusions, meaning on a regular basis to prevent bleeds from happening.
Learn more about treating & managing bleeds -
Joint Disease
Serious or repeated bleeding into joints can over time cause joint damage such as arthritis and synovitis. Prompt treatment of bleeds can help prevent these complications, but sometimes surgical intervention is needed.
Learn more about joint disease -
Pain Management
Bleeding episodes can cause acute pain in people with hemophilia, while longer-term damage like joint problems can cause ongoing chronic pain. Management strategies include clotting factor treatment, first aid, medication, physiotherapy, and more.
Learn more about pain management -
Comprehensive Care
Hemophilia is a lifelong condition that affects patients and their families in many ways. Comprehensive medical teams at Hemophilia Treatment Centres bring together a variety of specialists who offer support on physical, psychological, and social issues.
Learn more about comprehensive care -
Fitness & Exercise
Maintaining good physical fitness is a valuable way to manage hemophilia, by keeping the body strong, flexible, and better able to protect joints from strain and injury. Nevertheless, some activities are still risky, so it's important to choose forms of exercise carefully.
Learn more about fitness & exercise
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