Hemophilia and Bleeding Disorders
The UAB Division of Pediatric Hematology provides diagnosis and treatment of pediatric patients with bleeding disorders. In partnership with Children’s Rehabilitation Services, our dedicated team provides medical care for patients diagnosed with Von Willebrand and factor deficiencies in the Alabama Hemophilia Treatment Center. We offer a full range of services to diagnose and treat your child. Our goal is to provide education and resources to help you gain confidence and knowledge to better face the challenges of learning to live with a bleeding disorder. We look forward to working with you to create a treatment plan, just for your child.
Hemophilia
Hemophilia is a rare, lifelong bleeding disorder affecting mostly boys where the blood lacks sufficient proteins for the blood to clot normally. This means people with Hemophilia will be bleed longer, not faster, when injured. The body does initiate a response to stop bleeding through vasoconstriction and a platelet plug, but the lack of specific clotting factors prevents the formation of a stable clot. This can lead to internal bleeding, especially in joints, muscles, and organs, which may cause severe damage over time. With regular treatment and hematologist visits, it is possible to manage the disorder.
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Von Willebrand Disease
Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) is a bleeding disorder that happens when a protein in the blood, called von Willebrand factor (VWF). People with VWD either don’t have enough of the factor or it doesn’t work properly. This protein is important because it helps blood cells stick together to form clots and stop bleeding, and without it a clot cannot be made.
Type 1The most common type affecting about 85% of all cases. VWF works correctly but there is not enough in the bloodstream |
Type 2Represents about 15% of all cases. There is enough VWF in the blood but it does not work properly. |
Type 3The most rare affecting about one person in a million. |
There are three types of VWD: Type 1 is the most common and usually mild, Type 2 causes more bleeding issues because the VWF doesn’t work well, and Type 3 is the rarest and most severe, with very little or no VWF. People with severe VWD may have frequent nosebleeds, heavy periods, or even bleeding in their muscles and joints without any noticeable signs of injury.
Hemophilia and Bleeding Disorders Patient Stories
Evan Ward
When Jason and Tabitha White were pregnant with son Cayden, they knew there was a chance he could have hemophilia – a bleeding disorder in which the blood clots slower than normal or not at all.
Evan's Story
Cayden White
When Jason and Tabitha White were pregnant with son Cayden, they knew there was a chance he could have hemophilia – a bleeding disorder in which the blood clots slower than normal or not at all. Tabitha is a genetic carrier of the disorder and Tabitha’s father had Severe Hemophilia A.
Cayden's Story
