In more severe cases, symptoms will appear before the age of one. Diagnosis of hemophilia A is made based on family history of the disease, signs of bleeding, and laboratory testing. Family history is not always present in patients with the disease. If left untreated, hemophilia A may result in crippling deformities from bleeding in the muscles and bones, intracranial hemorrhage, internal bleeding, and bleeding after surgery or injury. In addition, cancer-like tumors as well as nerve damage may develop.
Treatment varies depending on the severity of the case.
In moderate and severe cases, concentrated factor VIII must be used. If severe bleeding has occurred, red cell transfusions may be necessary. In addition, factor VIII inhibitor development occurs in 15 percent of the hemophilia A population. Patients with inhibitors can usually be treated to control bleeding. Hemophilia B. Hemophilia B is produced by a defect in factor IX activity.