Hemophilia
Description
Hemophilia is a hereditary blood disease which is characterized by greatly prolonged coagulation time. Abnormal bleeding occurs due to a failure of the blood to clot. It affects males, being transmitted as an X-linked recessive trait.
It involves a deficiency of one particular protein (factor VIII), which results in uncontrollable bleeding.
Today, this factor is available as an infusion. Nonetheless, sufferers can still bleed recurrently, sometimes spontaneously. They must avoid the usual rough and tumble experiences of childhood, since a simple bruise can be life-threatening.
They may require frequent blood transfusions, which has led to the compounded problem of AIDS, due to infected blood, before screening measures were instituted.
Causes
The defective gene is passed on from an affected male to his daughters. Some sons of carrier females inherit the disease. Daughters may continue to be carriers.
However, as many as one-third of cases have no identifiable family history for the disease.
Signs & Symptoms
Most bleeding episodes involve joints and muscles, beginning as a toddler. These are painful and can lead to crippling deformities. Internal bleeding may only be recognizable from blood in the urine (hematuria).
Even minor surgical procedures can lead to profuse bleeding, given the absence of the clotting factor.
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function: Circulatory Support
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General Supplements
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B Complex*
Bioflavonoids*
Calcium 1,500 mg
Magnesium 1,000 mg
Vitamin C 3,000 mg
*Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
Foods rich in vitamin K (the clotting factor) are recommended (primarily leafy vegetables) including: alfalfa, broccoli, cauliflower, egg yolks, kale, liver and spinach.
Fresh vegetable juices provide a pleasant option.
Homeopathic Remedy
Cinnamomum
Crotalus horridus
Treatment Schedule
Over-the-counter homeopathic remedies may be single strength (of fairly weak potency e.g. 6X ) or a blend of several weaker strengths (6X, 8X, 10X).
This may comprise a single remedy, or several remedies.
Doses are administered on a 3 times daily (tid), between meals,schedule and continued for 3 days.
Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose.
Solid preparations are usually 2 or 3 pellets per dose.
Children use 1/2 dose i.e. 1 pellet.
If there is aggravation of the symptoms, stop taking the remedy and consult a homeopath.
References
Murphy, R. : Homeopathic Medical Repertory. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1993.
Murphy, R. : Lotus Materia Medica. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1995.
Pert, J.C.: Homeopathy for the Family. The Homoeopathic Development Foundation, London. 1985 edition.
Herbal Approaches
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Herbs
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Alfalfa
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
Lemon Essence,
Terebinth Essence.
Related Health Conditions
Anemia
Bleeding
Capillary Fragility
References
Anonymous: Transmission of hepatitis C virus infection associated with home infusion therapy for hemophilia. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep, 1997 Jul 4, 46:26, 597-9.
Cahill-M: Hematologic problems in pediatric patients. Seminars-in-Oncology-Nursing. 1996 Feb; 12(1): 38-50 (42 ref)
Craven BM et al., AIDS: safety, regulation and the law in procedures using blood and blood products. Med Sci Law, 1997 Jul, 37:3, 215-27.
Chaichareon-P; Im-Erbsin-T: Comprehensive care of hemophilia: role of the dentist. Southeast-Asian-J-Trop-Med-Public-Health. 1993; 24 Suppl 1: 34-6
Simpser-E: Nutrition in children with AIDS Support-Line. 1995 Oct; 17(5): 1-5.
Thomas, C.L. 1985. Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. F.A. Davis Co. Pub., Philadelphia. 2170.
Vicenzi E et al., Hemophilia and nonprogressing human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection. Blood, 1997 Jan 1, 89:1, 191-200.
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