Hemophilia

Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder caused by a missing blood clotting factor or reduced amount of blood clotting factor. The disorder can be mild, moderate or severe, depending on the level of the affected blood clotting factor. More than 15,000 people in the United States have hemophilia.

Hemophilia is usually inherited from a parent with a genetic mutation that can cause the disease. However, in about a third of the cases, there is no family history of the disease, and the disorder results from a new genetic mutation. Although most children with hemophilia have signs of bleeding during infancy or childhood, in some cases, people with mild hemophilia may not experience symptoms until they're adults.

The most common type of hemophilia, caused by a lack of clotting factor VIII, is called hemophilia A, or classic hemophilia. The second most common type is caused by a lack of clotting factor IX, and is called hemophilia B, also known as Christmas disease, named after Stephen Christmas, the first person diagnosed with the factor IX deficiency. Hemophilia A and B occur almost always in males. A third, very rare type of hemophilia, sometimes called Hemophilia C, is caused by a lack of clotting factor XI, and occurs in both males and females.

UCSF Medical Center is a state-approved and federally designated Hemophilia Comprehensive Care Center, one of 46 in the country. This means we provide a full range of services, including diagnosis, treatment, counseling and education to both adults and children living with hemophilia and other congenital bleeding disorders.

Our team includes blood specialists, social workers, genetic counselors, nurse practitioners and orthopedic surgeons who work together to provide you with the best possible care. Our center also provides genetic screening and counseling for inherited bleeding and clotting disorders, as well as an extensive patient education program, including training for home infusion of clotting products.

To make an appointment, please call:
Hemophilia Treatment Center (415) 476-1280

For help finding a doctor, please contact our Physician Referral Service:

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated August 29, 2007