The viruses that cause AIDS (HIV) and hepatitis can be carried in clotting factors. However, there has not been a documented case of transmission of these viruses for about a decade, due to:
Careful screening of donors
Testing of donated blood products
Treating donated blood products used to create clotting factors with a detergent and heat to destroy viruses.
Hemophilia research scientists continue to find ways to make blood products safer.
Damage Due to Delays in Treatment
When hemophilia treatment for bleeding is delayed, damage to the area affected (such as a joint) can occur. It is important for those with hemophilia to learn to recognize symptoms of hemophilia as soon as possible and to get treatment quickly.
Desmopressin (DDAVP) is a synthetic hormone that is used to treat people with mild to moderate hemophilia A. DDAVP cannot be used to treat hemophilia B or severe hemophilia A. DDAVP:
Stimulates the release of factor 8 and von Willebrand factor stored in blood vessels (The von Willebrand factor carries and binds factor 8, which then can stay in the blood circulation longer.)
Increases the level of these proteins in the blood
Is usually given by injection or in a nasal spray.
Antifibrinolytic drugs, including tranexamic acid and aminocaproic acid, are medicines used with clotting factor treatment. They are usually given as a pill to help keep clots from breaking down. They are most often used:
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