Hemophilia Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฉธ
hemophilia
[hiหmษหfษชliษ ]
Definition
medical condition
Hemophilia is a medical condition that impairs the bodyโs ability to make blood clots, a process that is essential for stopping bleeding. It is typically inherited and caused by a deficiency of clotting factors in the blood. The two most common types are Hemophilia A, caused by a deficiency of factor VIII, and Hemophilia B, caused by a deficiency of factor IX. People with hemophilia may experience prolonged bleeding after injuries, surgeries, or spontaneous bleeding episodes, particularly in joints and muscles. Management often involves regular infusions of the missing clotting factors to prevent bleeding complications.
Synonyms
bleeding disorder, clotting deficiency.
Examples of usage
- He was diagnosed with hemophilia at a young age.
- People with hemophilia need to be careful during sports.
- Treatment for hemophilia often includes factor replacements.
- Living with hemophilia requires careful monitoring.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Genetics
- Hemophilia is commonly inherited in an X-linked recessive pattern, meaning it predominantly affects males while females are usually carriers.
- The most common types of hemophilia are A and B, resulting from deficiencies in clotting factors VIII and IX, respectively.
- Innovative gene therapies are being developed to treat the condition by correcting the underlying genetic defect.
Historical Context
- The condition has been historically noted among royal families, particularly in Europe, as it was often referred to as the 'Royal Disease'.
- Famous figures, such as Tsarevich Alexis of Russia, highlighted the deadly potential of the condition when it affected the ruling class.
Science and Medicine
- Treatment for hemophilia has evolved to include factor replacement therapies, where missing clotting factors are administered to prevent bleeding.
- With advances in modern medicine, individuals with hemophilia can lead relatively normal lives with appropriate care.
Pop Culture
- Hemophilia has been referenced in various films and novels to depict characters with unique challenges or heroic narratives.
- The 2003 film 'The Only Living Boy in New York' features a character who experiences the complexities of living with hemophilia.
Origin of 'hemophilia'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Greek, where 'haima' means blood, and 'philia' means love, together referring to a fondness or affinity for blood.
- The first known use of the term dates back to the late 19th century when it was recognized as a distinct medical condition.
The term hemophilia originates from the Greek words 'haima' (ฮฑแผทฮผฮฑ), meaning 'blood', and 'philia' (ฯฮนฮปฮฏฮฑ), meaning 'love' or 'affinity'. The concept began to be recognized in the 19th century, although sporadic descriptions of bleeding tendencies can be traced back through history. The first detailed accounts of hemophilia were documented as far back as the 1800s. Hemophilia is often referred to as the 'royal disease' due to its notable presence in royal families of Europe, particularly that of Queen Victoria, whose descendants inherited the condition. Advances in medicine and genetics have provided more understanding of this disorder over the last century, allowing for improved treatments and management strategies for those affected.