Hemophilia Often Becomes Apparent After Circumcision
Approximately 6,000 people in Türkiye are affected by hemophilia. Commenting on the disease, Prof. Dr. Birol Baytan stated: “Hemophilia is caused by a deficiency of blood clotting proteins. Since people with hemophilia do not have sufficient clotting factors in their blood, their blood does not clot properly when an injury occurs, and bleeding lasts longer. A significant proportion of patients are diagnosed following persistent bleeding after circumcision.”
Stating that hemophilia is generally seen in males, Emsey Hospital Pediatric Hematology Specialist Prof. Dr. Birol Baytan said: “This disease occurs in approximately one out of every 10,000 male births. It does not discriminate based on race or ethnicity, but it is predominantly seen in boys. The disease is often passed from a carrier mother to her sons. Its occurrence in girls is very rare.”
UNEXPLAINED BRUISING MAY INDICATE HEMOPHILIA
Stating that unexplained and easily occurring bruises on the body may indicate hemophilia, Prof. Dr. Baytan said: “If there are unexplained bruises that appear easily on the body, we suspect hemophilia. In particular, signs of bleeding and swelling in the ankle, knee, and hip joints, as well as prolonged bleeding after minor procedures or surgery, should also raise suspicion of hemophilia. A significant proportion of patients are diagnosed due to persistent bleeding after circumcision.”
BLEEDING CAN OCCUR ANYWHERE IN THE BODY
Stating that bleeding can occur anywhere in the body in patients with hemophilia, Baytan said: “Joint bleeding can begin when a child starts crawling. As the child begins to walk, bleeding may occur particularly in the ankle joints, as well as in the knees and hips. The most common sites of bleeding are the joints, muscles, and gastrointestinal system (the system responsible for digestion, absorption, and elimination). Approximately 80% of bleeding episodes occur in the joints. In children, the ankles are generally affected, while in adolescents and adults, the knees, elbows, and ankles are more commonly affected.”
IF LEFT UNTREATED, IT CAN CAUSE DISABILITY
Stating that hemophilia is a treatable disease, Baytan said: “There is a common misconception in society that hemophilia cannot be treated. Contrary to popular belief, hemophilia is a treatable disease. Although it is a lifelong bleeding disorder that is genetically inherited, the risks of death due to bleeding and severe disability can be addressed through appropriate treatment approaches. When clotting factor replacement is administered at the appropriate dose and for the appropriate duration, both to prevent and treat bleeding episodes, patients with hemophilia can lead normal lives, just like their healthy peers. However, it is extremely important for patients with hemophilia and their families to be well-informed.”
Emphasizing that the main goal of hemophilia treatment is to replace the deficient clotting factor in the blood, Prof. Dr. Birol Baytan continued: “Our primary aim is to ensure that the treatment process is managed properly, reduce the duration and frequency of bleeding episodes, minimize complications caused by recurrent bleeding, and improve patients' quality of life.”
Emphasizing that if hemophilia is not treated in a timely manner, it can lead to permanent joint damage and disability, Prof. Dr. Baytan concluded: “Joint problems can be treated medically in the early stages, whereas in advanced stages, treatment may only be possible through orthopedic interventions.”
Emsey Medical Editorial Board
