Shedding Light on National Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month

Hemophilia Patient

March marks National Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month (BDAM), a time dedicated to raising awareness about various bleeding disorders that affect individuals worldwide. These disorders can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and often require specialized care and treatment. 

Types of Bleeding Disorders:

Bleeding disorders encompass a range of conditions that affect the body’s ability to form blood clots properly. Some common types include:

  1. Hemophilia: A genetic disorder that impairs the blood’s ability to clot, resulting in prolonged bleeding.
  2. Von Willebrand Disease: Caused by a deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor, a clotting protein, leading to excessive bleeding.
  3. Thrombocytopenia: Characterized by a low platelet count, which can cause easy bruising and prolonged bleeding.
  4. Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT): A rare genetic disorder causing abnormal blood vessel formation, leading to bleeding in various organs.

Plasma-Derived Therapies:

Plasma, the liquid component of blood, contains crucial clotting factors necessary for proper blood clotting. Plasma-based therapies are integral in treating bleeding disorders, providing patients with the essential clotting factors they may lack. Two primary types of plasma-based therapies include:

  1. Clotting Factor Concentrates: These are prepared from donated human plasma and replace specific clotting factors in individuals with hemophilia.
  2. Cryoprecipitate: This is a component of plasma rich in clotting factors, particularly beneficial for treating individuals with fibrinogen deficiencies.

Did You Know?

  1. Approximately 1 in 1,000 people worldwide are affected by a bleeding disorder.
  2. Hemophilia is more prevalent in males, as it is an X-linked genetic disorder.
  3. The World Federation of Hemophilia was established in 1963 to improve the global diagnosis and treatment of bleeding disorders.
  4. Advances in treatment, including gene therapy, offer promising developments for managing bleeding disorders.
  5. In 2016, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services designated BDAM as a national health observance each March.
  6. Bleeding disorders are diagnosed through blood tests that measure clotting factor levels.

National Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals affected by these conditions. Increasing awareness can contribute to better understanding, support, and advancements in treatment options. Plasma-based therapies, along with ongoing research and innovation, continue to play a crucial role in improving the lives of those living with bleeding disorders. Let us unite to spread awareness and support those affected by these conditions during March and beyond. Find your local ImmunoTek Plasma location and donate your life-altering plasma today.