Hemophilia

Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder that affects 18,000 persons (primarily males) in the United States. The disorder results from deficiencies in blood clotting factors and can lead to spontaneous internal bleeding and bleeding following injuries or surgery. These bleeding episodes can cause severe joint damage, neurological damage, damage to other organ systems involved in the hemorrhage, and, in rare cases, death. Treating the bleeding episodes involves the prompt and proper use of clotting factor concentrates.

von Willebrand disease

The most common bleeding disorder is von Willebrand disease (vWD), which is found in approximately 1-2% of the U.S. population. VWD results from a deficiency or defect in the body's ability to make von Willebrand factor, a protein that helps blood clot. Although VWD occurs in men and women equally, women are more likely to notice the symptoms because of heavy or abnormal bleeding during their menstrual periods and after childbirth.

Prevention activities

CDC helps support a network of hemophilia treatment centers (HTCs). This network promotes the management, treatment, and prevention of complications experienced by persons with hemophilia and other hereditary bleeding disorders.

CDC has established a surveillance system, the Universal Data Collection project, to monitor blood safety and to conduct research on health-care outcomes. The system is integrated into the HTC network.

For more information

Locate an HTC

HTC Directory and Universal Data Collection project database