Hemophilia & Bleeding Disorders
We are proud to be Charlotte's first federally recognized Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC). When your child has hemophilia or another bleeding disorder, it can be a cause of constant worry. The board-certified pediatric hematologists at our clinic work to put control and peace-of-mind back into the lives of patients with bleeding disorders and their families. As an HTC, we provide all of the comprehensive care your child needs in one place. Our services include management, patient education and coordination of care.
What is hemophilia?
Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder. Children with hemophilia have difficulty stopping bleeding because of low levels of certain proteins in blood needed for clotting. These proteins are called factors. Hemophilia can be mild, moderate or severe depending on the amount of protein missing.
Our HTC provides annual comprehensive visits one Thursday each month with supportive services. Please call us during office hours for an apointment.
Hemophilia symptoms
Symptoms of hemophilia include:
- Bruising. In hemophiliacs, small bumps or accidents can result in large bruises.
- Bleeding easily. Children with hemophilia have a tendency to bleed from the nose, mouth or gums with minor trauma, teeth brushing or dental work.
- Bleeding in a joint, like a knee, wrist or elbow. This can cause pain, immobility or arthritis.
- Bleeding into muscles, which can cause swelling, pain or even deformity.
- Bleeding from injury or bleeding in the brain is the most serious bleeding complication.
- Frequent blood in the urine or stool might also be a symptom of hemophilia.
Hemophilia treatment
Blood transfusions and certain clotting drugs are common hemophilia treatments. Parents of hemophiliac children might also need to help their children avoid bumps and bruises.
Victory Junction camp
We are proud to partner with Victory Junction, a year-round camping experience for kids with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. Additionally, the Victory Junction staff makes room-to-room visits with our patients each week and hold a Camp Clubhouse in our lobby where kids can do art projects and gather around a "campfire" and socialize, just like at camp. We encourage our patients to attend disease-specific summer camp weeks for teaching and additional support.