History of haemophilia

Abstract

Haemophilia, an ancient disease, now has sophisticated methods for diagnosis and treatment. The genetically missing factors can now be supplied by fractionation of human-derived (HD) plasma or with recombinant technology (r). Making therapeutic choices is complicated by past transfusion-transmitted diseases. HD and r products now have similar safety profiles. Several diseases have only HD products for treatment. These products remain important in our treatment armamentarium.