S26 • E3 Apr 11, 2013
Hemophilia refers to a group of bleeding disorders in which it takes a long time for the blood to clot. When you bleed, the body launches a series of reactions that help the blood clot. This process involves special proteins called coagulation factors. When one or more of these clotting factors are missing, there is usually a higher chance of bleeding. Hemophilia and hemophilia B is caused by a lack of specific clotting factors. In most cases, hemophilia is passed down through families. And it most often affects males. If hemophilia is severe it can be life-threatening. But there are ways to effectively manage this condition. In this program we'll head to a hemophilia treatment center to see what scientists have learned over the years about the disease and ways for patients and their families to bring it under control. As you'll see people with hemophilia and hemophilia b can live normal lives.
