Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month As one of the largest haematology clinical research institutes in Western Australia, Perth Blood Institute (PBI) is promoting October’s Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month. Bleeding disorders are rare conditions which affect the way the body manages blood clotting. These disorders can lead to severe, painful life-threatening symptoms, which can have a major impact on an individual’s daily life and general comfort. To support the occasion PBI would like to provide some background information about the three main types of bleeding disorders – haemophilia A & B and von Willebrand Disease. Haemophilia Haemophilia A – caused by a reduction in factor VIII, which is a protein involved in blood clotting. Symptoms vary depending on level of factor VIII. Less than 1% have frequent spontaneous bleeding from early life; 1-5% present with severe bleeding following injury and occasional spontaneous episodes; and above 5% show mild disease associated with bleeding only after injury or surgery. Haemophilia B – caused by a deficiency in factor IX (also involved in the blood clotting process). Clinical features are similar to haemophilia A. For additional information about haemophilia please visit our website. von Willebrand disease (VWD) One of the most common bleeding disorders worldwide and affects approximately 1% of the population. Caused by having either low levels or underperforming von Willebrand factor (VWF). VWF is an important protein which is involved in the blood clotting process. Please visit our website for additional information on VWD. Research into bleeding disorders PBI and our clinical trials unit are dedicated to developing new therapies which are vital to reduce symptoms and complications associated with bleeding disorders. The team at PBI were involved in the clinical trial which developed a new life-changing drug for people with haemophilia A. One PBI patient, John, has haemophilia A and was involved in the clinical trial. You can read John’s extraordinary story HERE. References Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month - Haemophilia Foundation Australia Bleeding Disorders - What Are Bleeding Disorders | NHLBI, NIH https://www.blood.gov.au/sites/default/files/ABDR-Annual-Report-2019-20-FINAL.pdf Hemophilia - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic