Hemophilia in Children

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

• Care notes
• Aftercare
• Ambulatory
• Discharge
• Inpatient
• Español

Hemophilia is a disorder that causes your child to bleed more or longer than normal. Clotting factors such as platelets and fibrinogen help form clots to stop bleeding. The clotting factors in your child's blood may not work correctly, or his or her body may not make enough.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent

is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that your child may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your child's medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done to your child. Make sure all of your questions are answered.

An IV

may be placed in your child's vein for giving medicine or liquids. Blood products may be given by IV injection or infusion (fluid is put directly through a vein).

Healthcare providers will check your vital signs.

Vital signs include blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature. The providers will also ask about your pain.

Medicines:

• Antifibrinolytic proteins keep blood clots from breaking down. They may be used to stop bleeding in your child's mouth, nose, or abdomen.
• Desmopressin may be used to treat hemophilia A. This works by increasing the amount of clotting factor VIII in your child's blood.

Tests:

• Blood tests are used to check the type and amount of clotting factor your child has. Your child's clotting factors and platelets will be tested for how well they work. Your child will need to have blood tests more than 1 time. Clotting factors change over time.
• X-ray, CT, or MRI pictures may be used to check your child's organs, bones, nerves, and blood vessels. Contrast liquid may be used to help any problems show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if your child has ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not let your child enter the MRI room with anything metal. The MRI machine uses a powerful magnet. Metal can cause serious injury from the magnet. Tell the healthcare provider if your child has any metal in or on his or her body.
• A joint x-ray or scan may be used to check for joint bleeding.

Treatment:

• Replacement therapy of certain blood products, called factor concentrates, may be given to your child. They replace the missing clotting factor in your child's blood. Replacement clotting factor is given so that your child's blood will be able to clot and to stop any bleeding. Clotting factor can come from human blood or be artificial. You may be taught how to give clotting factor to your child at home.
• A central venous line (CVL) may be needed if an IV cannot be easily placed in a vein. A CVL may also be used if your child needs many IV infusions of blood products, such as clotting factor. A CLV is surgically placed into a large vein, usually in the upper chest.
• A blood transfusion may be given to your child through an IV. Blood banks test all donated blood for disease before it is given.
• Surgery may be needed to treat or prevent problems, such as joint swelling or other worsening symptoms.

RISKS:

• If your child has a central venous catheter or a port, he or she may get an infection or blood clots. Your child may develop antibodies that work against the clotting factor he or she receives. This could prevent him or her from being able to receive clotting factor treatments. Even with treatment, your child may get permanent damage to his or her joints, which can cause pain and decreased movement.
• Without treatment, your child may have frequent bleeding episodes. He or she can have repeated episodes of bleeding in his or her joints that cause joint pain and swelling. Over time, this can lead to arthritis and chronic pain in the injured joints. Your child may have bleeding in his or her brain, lungs, chest, or abdomen. Your child may have a bleeding episode in which he or she loses a lot of blood and needs a transfusion or surgery. These problems can be life-threatening.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child.

© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer