Hemophilia A: a rare disease

Abstract

Hemophilia A is an X-linked inherited disease caused by mutations in the coagulation factor VIII F8 gene. It is considered a rare disease, as its prevalence is 26.6 per 100,000 live male births. Patients with hemophilia A have a rel-atively normal coagulation onset and amplification phases, and are able to form the initial platelet plug at the site of hemorrhage; but due to factor VIII deficiency, they are unable to generate a sufficient amount of thrombin on the platelet surface to stabilize the fibrin clot. In a male patient with unusual bleeding, a hemophilia A-type coagulation disorder should be ruled out, and blood tests such as a platelet count and prothrombin time (PT), which are usually normal, and an activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), which is prolonged, should be requested immediately. For differential diagnosis with other coagulopathies, measurement of coagulation factors and correction tests are performed when there is suspicion of an inhibitor or acquired hemophilia. Affected patients may present mild, moderate or severe forms of the disease, depending on the plasma level of the factor. In Colombia and worldwide, hemophilia was recognized as a rare disease that represents a public health problem due to its highly specialized care, which increases the costs associated with health care, and affects the quality of life of patients and those around them, as well as representing a diagnostic challenge that requires constant updat-ing, so that it can be treated effectively.