World Hemophilia Day 2024: Discover its Intriguing Facts and History

World Hemophilia Day 2024: World Hemophilia Day is observed on April 17 each year. To assist those with hemophilia and raise awareness about the condition, this day is observed. A rare disorder, hemophilia is characterized by an insufficiency of blood-clotting proteins, which prevents the blood from clotting correctly.

Globally, World Hemophilia Day is presently observed to enhance access to specialized treatment and diagnosis. International solidarity among those afflicted with bleeding disorders is the purpose of World Hemophilia Day.

World Hemophilia Day: History

Hemophilia was first identified during the 10th century when medical professionals developed an interest in individuals, especially men, who experienced excessive bleeding following minor injuries. Previously, it was referred to as Abulcasis. A comprehensive examination of the illness was regrettably unattainable at the time due to technological constraints. It is believed that a considerable number of renowned historical figures, especially members of European royal families, suffered from hemophilia. Aspirin was administered to them, further diluting the hemophiliac’s blood and worsening their symptoms.

Philadelphia-based physician John Conrad Otto began his investigation of individuals he labeled “bleeders” in 1803. Through his research, Otto identified the condition as a hereditary trait that was transmitted from healthy mothers to their sons. In 1926, the Finnish physician Erik von Willebrand published a paper describing pseudohemophilia, an equal-opportunity bleeding disorder that impacts people.

In the end, the condition was designated Von Willebrand Disease in his honor. 1957 marked the discovery by Inga Marie Nilsson and colleagues at Malmo University Hospital in Sweden that the disease was attributable to inadequate or insufficient levels of Von Willebrand factor. In 1937, two formally recognized categories of hemophilia were established: A and B.

While a definitive cure for hemophilia remains elusive, the condition can be effectively managed through the consistent administration of coagulation factors via injection to reduce the occurrence of spontaneous bleeding episodes. The World Federation of Hemophilia formally declared World Hemophilia Day on April 17, 1989, in recognition of Frank Schnabel, the organization’s founder. Fundraising for those who cannot afford treatment and raising awareness of the condition and other bleeding diseases are the objectives of the day.

Rare Disease Day 2024: Learn about its Importance, FAQs and Unknown Facts

World Hemophilia Day: FAQs

To what extent does a bleeding disorder manifest in severity?

Minor incisions generally do not warrant significant attention. Internal hemorrhaging is the primary concern for individuals with severe hemophilia, specifically involving the knees, ankles, and elbows. Internal hemorrhaging can be fatal and cause damage to vital organs and tissues.

Does hemophilia A have a cure?

Hemophilia is an uncommon coagulation disorder for which no treatment is currently available.

Hemophilic can donate blood.

Blood collection centers generally deny donations from individuals with hemophilia on account of the risk of excessive hemorrhaging. Individuals with a history of factor concentrate use are denied access to certain facilities on account of the potential for virus infection. Undoubtedly, to protect your vessels, you must refrain from donating blood.

Five fascinating details regarding Hemophilia

Hemophilia is a hereditary disorder that is transmitted from mother to offspring.
Hemophilia C is regarded as less severe than hemophilia A and hemophilia B, and individuals with this disorder do not require routine intravenous administration of coagulation factor.
Due to how the disease is transmitted genetically, female births are exceedingly rare; the condition primarily impacts males.
Clotting factor assays, which are alternatively referred to as factor tests, are indispensable in the diagnosis of hemophilia and the assessment of its severity.
Hemophilia A is the most prevalent form of the condition, impacting one in every 5,000 boys. In comparison, hemophilia B and hemophilia C affect one in every 25,000 and 100,000 boys, respectively.