The treatment of hemophilia involves replacement of the clotting factor that is missing from the person's circulation. Manufacturers, like Bayer, have developed concentrates containing Factor VIII and IX clotting factors that are used for treatment of persons with hemophilia. These clotting factor concentrates are packaged in a freeze-dried form that requires reconstitution with sterile water before being infused into the vein of a person with hemophilia. Click here for information on Bayer Pharmaceutical's line of hemophilia products. The genetic coding for hemophilia is carried on the X chromosome.
Females have two X-chromosomes and contribute a copy of one to each of their offspring.
If they are carrying the abnormal gene for hemophilia on one of their X-chromosomes, they will not have hemophilia, but they will be considered a carrier of hemophilia. If their male children receive the abnormal gene, that child will have hemophilia. If a man has hemophilia and has daughters, all of his daughters will be obligate carriers because they will have his X' chromosome for hemophilia. It is estimated that hemophilia occurs once in every 7,500 live male births. Although there is genetic transmission of hemophilia, approximately one third of all persons with hemophilia have no family history of this disorder.