Factor VIII is a type of clotting factor in the blood that helps blood clots form and stop bleeding in response to an injury, according to Mayo Clinic. When there is a deficiency of factor VIII, the body cannot stop bleeding on its own. This condition is known as hemophilia A and it is the most common form of hemophilia. About 70 percent of people with hemophilia A have a severe case, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Hemophilia A is not curable but with proper treatment, a person can live a long and healthy life.
Hormone Treatment
For people with a mild form of hemophilia A, an artificial hormone called desmopressin, or DDAVP, can be used to stimulate the body to produce more of the clotting factor it needs, according to Mayo Clinic. This is used when serious bleeding occurs and it needs to be stopped. The hormone is slowly injected into a vein or sometimes given as a nasal spray. But the effect wears off when it's used too often so it's not always appropriate, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Desmopressin is sometimes used ahead of medical procedures or other occasions when bleeding might occur, to prevent a problem.
Demand Therapy
When a cut occurs and the bleeding must be stopped, another option is to give factor VIII itself through an infusion, according to Mayo Clinic. The factor VIII may be derived from human blood that is screened and treated to avoid giving the patient an infectious disease like hepatitis. Or to lower the risk of diseases even further, factor VIII can be derived from genetically engineered products called recombinant clotting factors. If there is serious internal bleeding, multiple infusions may be needed. Demand therapy is less expensive and intensive than preventive therapy but carries the risk of serious damage occurring before the patient can get to a hospital or clinic for an infusion, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.
Preventive Therapy
Infusing factor VIII or desmopressin two or three times a week at home can prevent serious bleeding from occurring, according to the Mayo Clinic. This can reduce the need to visit the hospital for infusions when a serious bleed occurs. It can also limit side effects like joint damage by preventing bleeding from happening. But there is a higher risk of catching a disease from clotting factor that is derived from human blood. There is also a risk of developing antibodies to factor VIII that work against it and can stop it from working in an emergency, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.
