PARAHAEMOPHILIA Meaning and
Definition
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Parahaemophilia is a term that refers to a rare inherited bleeding disorder characterized by a deficiency or dysfunction of a specific blood clotting factor known as factor V. This condition is often considered a variant of hemophilia, but it differs from classic hemophilia A and B as it is caused by distinct genetic mutations.
Individuals with parahaemophilia may experience prolonged and excessive bleeding, particularly following injuries or surgical procedures. The severity of bleeding symptoms can vary widely from person to person, and some individuals may only exhibit mild symptoms, while others may experience more severe and life-threatening bleeding episodes. Common bleeding manifestations include persistent bleeding from wounds, easy bruising, nosebleeds, and bleeding into joints or muscles.
Parahaemophilia is an autosomal recessive disorder, meaning that an affected individual must inherit one copy of the mutated gene from each parent to develop the condition. It primarily affects males, as the gene mutation is located on the X chromosome. Females who carry one copy of the mutated gene are usually asymptomatic but can pass it on to their children.
Diagnosis of parahaemophilia involves blood tests to measure the level and activity of factor V in the blood. Treatment options may include the administration of clotting factor concentrates to help control and prevent bleeding episodes. Genetic counseling is also important for affected individuals and their families to understand the inheritance pattern and potential risks for future generations.
Etymology of PARAHAEMOPHILIA
The word "parahaemophilia" is composed of two components: "para-" and "haemophilia".
- "Para-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "pará", which means "beside" or "parallel". In medical terminology, "para-" is often used to denote something that is near, resembling, or similar to another thing.
- "Haemophilia" originates from the Greek words "haima" meaning "blood" and "philos" meaning "loving" or "affectionate". Haemophilia is a medical condition characterized by a tendency to bleed excessively due to the inability of blood to clot properly.
Therefore, "parahaemophilia" can be understood as a condition similar to or resembling haemophilia, but with distinct characteristics or differences.
