Hemophilia A and Hemophilia B are lifelong, rare, x linked inherited bleeding disorders. People with hemophilia have difficulty with bleeding as they have deficiency of factor 8 (Hemophilia A) or deficiency of factor 9 (Hemophilia B- Christmas Disease). Hemophilia A affects fewer than 1 in 10,000 people, or about 2,500 Canadians. Hemophilia B is even less common, affecting approximately 1 in 50,000 people, or about 600 Canadians. Hemophilia affects all people globally (WFH). Women carry the gene and can be affected as well (women carrier link). It may be present from birth, but can also be with no family history.
The level of clotting factor in the blood determines the severity of hemophilia.
- Severe hemophilia, clotting factor levels are less than 1%
- Moderate hemophilia, clotting factor levels are between 1% and 5%
- Mild hemophilia, clotting factor levels are between 5% and 40%
People with hemophilia may have bleeding into joints and muscles without having had an injury, so treatment helps spontaneous bleeding and also helps at the time of injury.
Hemophilia C is caused by the defective or missing clotting factor XI. For more information please visit Factor XI deficiency.
Acquired hemophilia is a rare type of autoimmune condition in which the body mistakenly attacks its own clotting factors. It usually develops later in life and often resolves with proper treatment. Download this pamphlet for more information.
Rare factor deficiencies are low levels of factor that include factor I, factor II, factor V, factor VII, factor X, factor XI and factor XIII. Please visit Other factor deficiencies for a comprehensive description.
Von Willebrand Disease (vWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder, found in 1 of every 1000 people, affecting up to 1% of the world’s population. It affects men and women and causes easy bruising, nosebleeds and prolonged bleeding after surgeries. Read more here.
Platelet function disorders are varied and complex. This includes Bernard-Soulier Syndrome, Glanzmann Thrombasthenia, Scott Syndrome and more. Please visit Platelet function disorders for a comprehensive description.
For the newly diagnosed
Once you or your child is diagnosed you may feel shocked, sad and worry about the future. These feelings are a normal process of grieving and you may need to allow yourself time to grieve. There is lot information that you need to process about treatment, coping and managing an inherited bleeding disorder. Always keep in mind that advanced and effective medical treatment is available and with comprehensive care here in Manitoba, you or your child will have a chance for a productive and fulfilled life.
We encourage Manitobans to fill out a CHS-MC Member Registration Form so that you and your family will have access to the Programs and Services that the Chapter provides.
Trusted Sources of Inherited Bleeding Disorders Information
Disclaimer: This website is for information purposes only and provides an overview of the subject matter covered. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your hemophilia treatment centre for specific advice on your healthcare concerns. The information on this website is subject to change without notice. In Manitoba, please reach out to the Manitoba Bleeding Disorders Program.