Untreated hemophilia in babies may cause permanent damage, expert warns

Bülent Zülfikar, President of the Turkish Hemophilia Association and Rector of Istanbul University, stated that a mutation occurring in a mother during her youth can cause Hemophilia in her baby, warning that untreated cases may lead to permanent damage.

Speaking in Antalya at the “23rd Türkiye Hemophilia Congress,” organized by the Turkish Hemophilia Association and the Hemophilia Federation, Zülfikar told Anadolu Agency that newborn boys with a family history of hemophilia must обязательно undergo testing, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

He emphasized that early diagnosis in newborns makes treatment easier: “In 60–65% of cases, if the disease exists in the family, it can also appear in children. If a mutation occurs in the mother during pregnancy or earlier in life, the child may develop the disease. In other words, the baby is born with it.”

Zülfikar noted that prolonged bleeding from the umbilical cord or delayed healing after birth may be signs of hemophilia.

He also highlighted that bleeding from minor injuries when teeth emerge, as well as bruising caused by friction or tight clothing, may indicate the condition.

“When babies crawl or are held tightly, bruises may appear on compressed areas. Bruising on knees or elbows during crawling is also a warning sign,” he added.

He warned that delayed wound healing or bleeding after circumcision is another risk factor:

“In some cases, families opt for early circumcision. There may be no bleeding in the first four hours, as clotting seems to occur. But if the condition is untreated, the clot can dissolve and continuous bleeding may begin. In the past, there were deaths after circumcision or surgeries in children with hemophilia. Fortunately, with proper diagnosis, we have overcome these situations. Families noticing symptoms should consult a medical center. Diagnosis can be made with a simple blood test.”

Zülfikar stated that hemophilia is usually congenital, though in rare cases it can develop later due to severe infections or trauma.

He stressed that Türkiye has been successful in hemophilia treatment and is a leader in innovative and groundbreaking work in this field.

He added that research is ongoing to correct the defective gene, and reiterated that early diagnosis always provides better treatment opportunities.

Zülfikar explained that if the disease progresses, it can cause severe pain:

“Bleeding inside the joint erodes cartilage. Once cartilage is destroyed, bones rub against each other, leading to joint deformity and impaired movement. Severe cases result in orthopedic complications requiring surgery. If untreated, the disease can cause permanent damage.”

Hemophilia is most commonly passed from carrier mothers to their sons, though in rare cases it can also occur in girls.