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Since antiquity, hemophilia has generally been regarded as a male disease. This is because it is genetically X-linked and therefore features more prominently in men. However, female carriers can also experience hemophiliac symptoms, such as excessive bleeding. The problem that arises is that both physician and patient can sometimes take these symptoms less seriously due to the prevailing male bias when thinking about hemophilia.
Van Galen and colleagues have written a paper published in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis detailing efforts to change the nomenclature of hemophilia carriers to account for personal bleeding history and baseline plasma factor VIII/IX (FVIII/FIX) levels. The purpose of this change is to recognize the diverse presentations of hemophilia carriers. Even though carriers can be asymptomatic, this new nomenclature reflects the reality that some can experience episodes of prolonged bleeding that deserve medical attention similar to that given to hemophiliac males.
