Haemophilia

Haemophilia is a disease that occurs when blood does not clot normally in the body. Blood clotting is dependant on specific substances found in the blood, called clotting factors, which assist the clotting process. The body uses clotting as a form of protection and defence when a particular area or structure has been damaged. If clotting factors are deficient, spontaneous bleeding can also occur which is not related to a specific trauma. The most common sites for spontaneous bleeding, which is known as internal bleeding, are in weight bearing joints, such as knees, ankles and elbows, muscles and mucous membranes. Over time, damage can occur to joints and muscles from these bleeds which can result in joint damage, arthritis and chronic pain.

Symptoms and characteristics

Haemophilia exists as either haemophilia A or haemophilia B.

Haemophilia A

Haemophilia A is the most common form affecting only males. Haemophilia A is characterised by persons experiencing spontaneous bleeding as they either have an inadequate amount, or not enough of the clotting factor VIII present. The severity of haemophilia A depends on how much factor VIII the person retains.

Symptoms of haemophilia A reflect the severity of the disease and may include:

• active bleeding evident by symptoms including blood in urine, or large areas of bruising
• bleeding in weight bearing joints
• stiffness, swelling, tenderness and hot sensation in joints
• a skin rash over the joint site.

Haemophilia B

Haemophilia B is characterised by a deficiency of clotting factor IX which can result in spontaneous bleeding and an inability for the blood to clot normally after a trauma or injury.

Symptoms of haemophilia B are determined by the amount of factor IX present and may include:

• stiffness and pain in joints and tissues which are predominantly weight bearing joints
• active bleeding evident by symptoms including, blood in urine or large areas of bruising
• a rash may cover the skin over the joint site.

Workplace adjustments and solutions

Treatment for people with haemophilia has reduced the incidence and severity of bleeds. However, within the workplace, working in a safe working environment may reduce the risk of any injury that could trigger a bleed. Some suggestions to consider for people with haemophilia in the workplace include:

• if needing to travel by plane for work and medical products are required to be taken for treatment purposes, ensure appropriate documentation is obtained and also relevant instructions in case of emergency
• ensure adequate training for relevant first aid staff or colleagues in the workplace in case of emergency, or a need to assist with treatment
• never give aspirin or products containing aspirin to a person with haemophilia
• consider appropriate workplace roles which minimise risk of physical trauma
• provision of a private location for administering medication, if required, during work hours and a safe place for medication storage.

There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:

• Energy and stamina
• Managing medication at work
• Managing pain associated with injury or illness
• Moving around the workplace

Would you like more information?

• Cardio-vascular disorders