The health and life expectancy of severe hemophiliacs has improved markedly
Prior to the availability of specific treatment, the average life expectancy of boys with severe hemophilia was 16 years. It was rare for severe hemophiliacs to reach the age of 30.
During their life they would suffer from complications of repeated internal bleeding. This led to severe joint damage, muscle contractures as well as paralysis due to bleeding into the brain. Later, with specific coagulation factor treatment, these complications were reduced but at the cost of transmission of hepatitis (virus induced liver inflammation) and AIDS (HIV).
With modern treatment the risk of virus transmission has been reduced markedly and hepatitis viruses and HIV are not transmitted. The treatment is considered very safe.
With modern prophylactic factor replacement therapy from toddler age, young adult men with severe hemophilia are healthy with no or minimal consequences of bleeding. Their life expectancy is approaching normal.
Nordic Hemophilia Guidelines online