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Medical Author:

Troy S Cutler, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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With proper medical care, people with hemophilia can expect to live full and productive lives. Yet complications still occur.

• During the late 1970s through 1985, up to 60% of severe hemophiliacs had contracted the HIV virus (the virus that causes AIDS) from blood products. Because of the development of genetically engineered factor and improved purification processes, no case of HIV transmission from clotting factors has been documented since 1986.
  
  
• Those using blood-derived products are still at risk for getting hepatitis.
  
  
  • Hepatitis A can resist some purifying methods, but no hepatitis C transmission has been reported since 1997.
    
    
  • Doctors recommend that all people with hemophilia receive the hepatitis B vaccine.
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• Despite current treatments, people with hemophilia still undergo degenerative changes due to bleeding in the joints.
  
  
  • When repeated bleeding occurs, chronic swelling results in that joint. The swelling leads to degeneration of cartilage and bone.
    
    
  • Ultimately this process will cause chronic joint stiffness and pain.