Hemophilia, a genetic disorder that prevents blood from clotting effectively, forming an effective clot, is rising alarmingly among male children and adults.
Doctors in the city say that the reason behind the increase in the number of people being affected is mainly because they are unable to receive correct treatment owing to the acute factor concentrate needed to control bleeding being in short supply and its prohibitive cost.
“In GH we treat up to 7 to 8 hemophilia cases a week. In the absence of any support structure, a chronic disorder like hemophilia can be highly debilitating, physically, socially and economically,” said Dr Usha Varadarajan, department of hematology, Madras Medical College.
People with hemophilia begin to bleed uncontrollably when they are exposed to stress and this internal bleeding can begin spontaneously without any apparent cause.
“The patients normally know when the bleeding begins as they would feel mild pain in that part. If internal bleeding is not quickly stopped with appropriate treatment, it will result in swelling.
Over a period of time, bleeding into joints and muscles can cause permanent damage liked deformity,” the doctor added.
It is essential to be cautious with children and make sure they do not slip and fall and end up with head injuries as internal bleeding in the brain could lead to death, she warned.
Experts lament that most of the patients in rural areas are absolutely clueless about the symptoms and treatments of hemophilia.
“The factor concentrates to control the bleeding are very expensive. Constant intake of factors trigger the system to produce anti-bodies to counter the treatment for which we have to provide alternate factors that are more expensive.
If patients are educated about the disease, a comprehensive care management approach can help them live healthier lives,” said Dr Varadarajan.