Hemophilia is a rare, genetic bleeding disorder caused from a deficiency of specific clotting factors. Prompt treatment of bleeding episodes is necessary to prevent long-term complications. Vitamin K plays a role in blood clotting and a deficiency of Vitamin K can cause bleeding complications. Although both hemophilia and a deficiency of vitamin K affect blood clotting, they are not related to each other.
Hemophilia
Hemophilia is a hereditary bleeding disorder resulting from a deficiency in clotting factors VIII or IX. The deficiency of clotting factors results in prolonged or spontaneous, potentially life-threatening bleeding. According to the July 2010 article in the pharmacology journal, "Formulary," although there is no cure for hemophilia, it can be controlled by promptly treating the bleeding episodes with the deficient factor concentrates. Clotting factors VIII and IX are necessary for the protein called thrombin to be generated which forms stable blood clots.
Symptoms
MayoClinic.com indicates that symptoms of hemophilia will vary depending on the level of the deficient clotting factor. Symptoms of spontaneous bleeding may include unexplained bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts or joint pain and swelling. Bleeding into joint areas, called hemarthrosis commonly occurs in the knees, elbows and ankles. A sudden onset of pain, swelling and warmth of large joints, bleeding from an injury or a painful, lasting headache are emergency symptoms that should be evaluated by a physician as soon as possible.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is best known for its role in helping blood clot - coagulate - properly. It is rare to have a vitamin K deficiency, because in addition to being found in leafy green foods, the bacteria found in the intestines can make vitamin K as well. A deficiency of vitamin K can lead to excessive bleeding. Vitamin K is given to newborns at the time of birth to prevent any potential bleeding because they do not have bacteria in their intestine, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Healthy adults usually obtain necessary amounts of vitamin K in foods such as spinach and lettuce, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage. The protein affected by vitamin K deficiency is call prothrombin, which is necessary in the blood clotting process.
Considerations
Because both hemophilia and vitamin K deficiencies affect the ability of blood to clot, symptoms may have similarities. It is important that blood tests be performed to determine the accurate cause of the bleeding disorder. The treatment for hemophilia may involve slow injection of the hormone desmopressin into a vein to stimulate a release of more clotting factor to stop the bleeding or an infusion of a specific clotting factor, states MayoClinic.com. Vitamin K deficiency is treated with replacement of vitamin K through diet or administration of vitamin K tablets or intravenous.
References
- "Formulary"; Hemophilia: Etiology, complications, and current options in management; Joan Stachnik; July 2010
- MayoClinic.com: Hemophilia
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin K
Member Comments