Hemophilia Treatment Center
The UK HealthCare Hemophilia Treatment Center at Golisano Children’s at UK offers compassionate, comprehensive care for patients with inherited bleeding disorders. We offer care for patients of all ages – including newborns, children, adolescents and adults.
Our expert team offers treatment for hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, rare clotting factor deficiencies, platelet disorders and other bleeding conditions.
Because bleeding disorders are uncommon and sometimes complex, it is important to receive treatment at a dedicated center whose providers specialize in these conditions.
Here at the Hemophilia Treatment Center, we work as a team — with you and your family at the center — to help prevent bleeding episodes and manage complications. We are here to help our patients lead healthy, active lives.
Types of bleeding disorders
Bleeding disorders occur when the blood does not clot the way it should. This can cause a person to bleed longer after an injury, surgery or sometimes without any obvious cause.
There are several types of bleeding disorders, including:
- Hemophilia A and B
- von Willebrand disease (VWD)
- Rare clotting factor deficiencies (such as factors VII, X, XIII)
- Inherited platelet disorders
What causes bleeding disorders
Hemophilia and von Willebrand disease are almost always inherited. A person could be at higher risk for a bleeding disorder if one or both of their parents has one.
In some cases, certain medical conditions and medicines can cause bleeding disorders.
Symptoms of bleeding disorders
The most common symptom of a bleeding disorder is bleeding easily and for a longer time. Bleeding can occur during normal daily activities or from no known injury.
If a person has hemophilia or another bleeding disorder, they may also experience the following symptoms:
- Bruising easily
- Bleeding gums
- Unexplained nosebleeds
- Excessive bleeding after surgery
- Bleeding in urine or stool
How bleeding disorders are diagnosed
After going over medical and family history and conducting a physical exam, a member of our team may perform certain blood tests. These tests will help us assess clotting factor levels, complete blood count and bleeding times.
How we care for families
Our center follows the “comprehensive care model.” This means we care for the whole person, not just the bleeding disorder.
Through a coordinated, patient-centered approach, we provide education, home treatment training, support for school and work, and help with insurance or financial needs.
Treatment options
There are now more treatment choices than ever for people with bleeding disorders. The right option depends on a variety of factors, including:
- Patient’s age and overall health
- Severity of the disease
- Type of bleeding disorder
Your doctor will work closely with you to determine the treatment that is the best fit.
We offer the following treatment options at UK HealthCare:
Clotting factor replacement therapy
Plasma-derived or recombinant factor concentrates: Replace the missing clotting protein through an intravenous (IV) infusion
Desmopressin (DDAVP)
A medicine that helps the body release stored clotting factor. Often used in people with mild hemophilia A or some types of von Willebrand disease.
Antifibrinolytics
- Medicines such as aminocaproic acid or tranexamic acid that help stabilize clots once they form
- Commonly used around dental procedures or minor surgeries or for nosebleeds and heavy periods
Factor-mimicking treatments
Emicizumab is an injection under the skin that works like factor VIII. It can help prevent bleeding in people with hemophilia A, including those who have developed inhibitors.
Rebalancing agents
- Medicines that restore balance in the blood’s clotting system by blocking “anti-clotting” proteins
- Given as under-the-skin injections (daily to monthly)
- Still newer but showing great promise for people with hemophilia A or B, with or without inhibitors
Gene therapy
- A one-time IV treatment that delivers a working copy of the missing clotting factor gene
- Designed to help the body make its own factor long-term, reducing or even replacing the need for regular treatments
- Available now for some adults with severe hemophilia A or B
Meet our team
You can trust that you will be in good hands at UK HealthCare’s Hemophilia Treatment Center. You and your family will have the dedicated support of several types of providers, including:
- Hematologists
- Specialized nurses
- Social workers
- Physical therapists
Our center offers a variety of services, from diagnosis and treatment through ongoing care. This includes genome-informed diagnosis, home treatment plans, emergency preparedness, a 24/7 on-call provider and support across all life stages.
We can also refer you to other specialists, such as orthopedists, dentists and genetic counselors, to round out your treatment.
Life with a bleeding disorder
Bleeding disorders are lifelong diseases, but thanks to early diagnosis, innovative treatments and careful management, patients can lead a fulfilling life with a normal lifespan.
Why specialized hemophilia treatment centers matter
The Hemophilia Treatment Center at UK HealthCare is part of a national network of federally recognized treatment centers supported by the Centers for Disease Control and the National Hemophilia Foundation. This means that your family will have access to:
- The latest therapies and clinical trials
- A team that understands both medical and everyday challenges
- Education and support across all stages of life
Our promise to families
We know that living with a bleeding disorder can feel overwhelming. At UK HealthCare’s Hemophilia Treatment Center, we are here with you every step of the way — providing expert care, steadfast support and the newest treatment options. Together, we will forge a path for living confidently and fully.
