haemophilic arthropathy

Last reviewed 01/2018

Both factor VIII and factor IX haemophilia can cause, by repeated bleeding into the joints, a progressive joint destruction. Risk of bleed is predicted by the factor levels in the patients - spontaneous bleeds occur if the patient has levels of 5% or less of the normal levels.

The frequency and unpredictability of the bleeds in a haemophiliac pose a considerable disruption to life, and these ought to be considered when considering the impact of this disease on people.