Types of haemophilia
Haemophilia A, B, factor XI deficiency, and acquired haemophilia are not the same condition — and they are not treated the same way.
Haemophilia A and B
Haemophilia A means factor VIII is low. Haemophilia B, sometimes called Christmas disease, means factor IX is low. Both are usually inherited on the X chromosome and are more often diagnosed in boys, though girls and women can bleed enough to need treatment.
Severity — severe, moderate, or mild — comes from how much factor is measured in the blood, not from how brave the patient is. Severe haemophilia often appears when a child starts to crawl; mild haemophilia may be found only after surgery or dental work.
Factor XI deficiency
Factor XI deficiency is sometimes called haemophilia C. It is not haemophilia A or B. Bleeding is less predictable: some people bleed after surgery or dental work and rarely have spontaneous joint bleeds.
A factor assay confirms the diagnosis. Do not assume a factor VIII product will help. Care is planned by the centre that knows the full panel result.
Acquired haemophilia
Acquired haemophilia is not inherited. The immune system makes an antibody, usually against factor VIII. It can appear in older adults and sometimes late in pregnancy or after birth. Both men and women are affected.
Bleeding into skin and muscles, and bleeding after procedures, are typical. This is an emergency for a specialist. Diagnosis needs a low factor level plus an inhibitor test.
- Inherited A — low factor VIII
- Inherited B — low factor IX
- Factor XI deficiency — separate pathway
- Acquired — immune antibody, urgent specialist care
Why the label matters in Nepal
Treatment centres in Nepal stock different products by month and by donor programme. The name on your report determines which product is appropriate.
Nepal Hemophilia Society can help you ask for the right test if diagnosis was incomplete. Take every result to a treatment centre rather than starting treatment from an advertisement.
This page is general information from Nepal Hemophilia Society. It is not a diagnosis or a treatment plan. A bleed, a head injury, or bleeding after an accident needs urgent hospital care. Ask your treatment centre before you change any treatment.