Kauffman Judy
Children's Mercy Hospital and Clinics, Kansas City, Missouri 64108, USA.
J Infus Nurs. 2011 Jan-Feb;34(1):29-35. doi: 10.1097/NAN.0b013e31820219ff.
Hemophilia is a genetic condition that causes prolonged bleeding in those affected after surgeries, dental procedures, and injuries. It has been treated with a variety of products in the modern era, with some of the treatments causing serious viral infections. The development of recombinant-factor products has led to longer life expectancy and better quality of life for those affected. The objectives of this article are to review the epidemiology and pathophysiology of hemophilia A and B and von Willebrand's disease and to outline the development of treatment products, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each product. Research on newer products is progressing at a rapid pace. The article will also discuss some of the newer products currently in development.