DescriptionHemophilia is a rare bleeding disorder in which blood does not clot normally. Hemophilia is usually hereditary, and people born with it have little or no clotting factor (a protein needed for normal blood clotting). These proteins work together with platelets to help blood clot. When blood vessels are damaged, clotting factors help platelets stick together to plug cuts and breaks on the vessels. Hemophilia usually occurs in males: each year approximately 1 in 5,000 males are born with the disease. A hemophiliac does not bleed more intensely than a person without, but may bleed for a much longer time. In some severe cases, continuous bleeding occurs after minor trauma or may even occur spontaneously. They may also bleed into the body (internally), especially in the knees, ankles, and elbows. Bleeding can damage organs and tissues and can be life-threatening. There are two main types of hemophilia: A and B. People born with type A lack or have low levels of clotting factor VIII (1 in 5,000 males). People born with type B lack or have low levels of clotting factor IX (1 in 20,000 males). About 8 in 10 people with hemophilia have hemophilia type A. The biggest concern with both types is deep internal bleeding and bleeding into the joints. Hemophilia is a lifelong disease, but with proper treatment and self-care, most people maintain an active and productive lifestyle. Causes Hemophilia is caused by a defect in one of the genes that determines how the body produces blood clotting factor VIII or IX. These genes are found on the X chromosomes. Females have two X chromosomes, while males have one X and one Y. Only the X chromosome carries genes related to clotting factors. A male who has...... half of the paper......tp://web.ebscohost.com/src/detail?sid=82c65e69-bb1a-4e7a-900e-efe0f0c1c520%40sessionmgr113&vid=1&hid=112&bdata =Jmxhbmc9ZW4tY2Emc2l0ZT1zcmMtY2Fu#db=nfh&AN=6FP3808668796>“Future Therapies” www.hemophilia.org. National Hemophilia Foundation, 2006. Web. January 3, 2014. “History of Hemophilia” www.hemophilia-information.com. Home Health Care, 2013. Web. January 4, 2014. “History of Bleeding Disorders” www.hemophilia.org. National Hemophilia Foundation, 2006. Web. 4 January 2014. “History of Hemophilia” www.hemophilia.in. March 15, 2013. Web. January 4 2014.