About Bleeding Disorders

Prophylaxis

Prophylaxis is the regular infusion of clotting factor concentrates in order to prevent bleeding.

The idea of prophylaxis came from the observation that people with moderate or mild hemophilia (who have clotting factor levels of 1% or more) rarely experience spontaneous bleeding. They also have less joint damage than people who have severe hemophilia.

Doctors believed that if they could keep minimum factor levels around 1% with regular infusions of clotting factor concentrates, they may reduce the risk of bleeding and prevent joint damage.

Since then, important studies have shown that children who receive prophylaxis do have fewer bleeds and healthier joints.

Prophylaxis is now the goal of treatment, allowing people with hemophilia to remain active and participate more fully in daily life.

Content source: World Federation of Hemophilia