Home infusion of clotting factors for hemophilia
Adults with hemophilia and parents of children with hemophilia can learn to inject (infuse) replacement clotting factors. Children may also be taught to infuse themselves with clotting factors by age 10. Younger children and those who have developed antibodies (inhibitors) may not be able to infuse themselves.
Being able to infuse at home will speed treatment and prevent much of the damage bleeding can cause to muscles and joints. Clotting factor comes from donated blood or is produced in a lab (using recombinant DNA technology).
People with moderate or mild hemophilia may only need to infuse clotting factors on demand after an injury or before participating in an activity that may cause an injury. People with severe hemophilia may choose a regular schedule for clotting replacement therapy in order to help prevent bleeding episodes.
| Author: | Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: August 20, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology | |
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