Haemophilia B

Haemophilia B (also spelled Hemophilia B or Hæmophilia B) is a blood clotting disorder caused by a mutation of the Factor IX gene, leading to a deficiency of Factor IX. It is the least common form of haemophilia, rarer than haemophilia A. It is sometimes called Christmas disease after Stephen Christmas, the first patient described with this disease. In addition, the first report of its identification was published in the Christmas edition of the British Medical Journal.

Treatment

Treatment (bleeding prophylaxis) is by intravenous infusion of factor IX. Factor IX has a longer half life than factor VIII (Deficient in Haemophilia A) and as such factor IX can be transfused less frequently.

Genetics

The factor IX gene is located on the X chromosome (Xq27.1-q27.2). It is an X-linked recessive trait, which explains why, as in haemophilia A, only males are usually affected. 1 in 50,000 males are affected.

Pathophysiology

Factor IX deficiency leads to an increased propensity for haemorrhage. This is in response to mild trauma or even spontaneously, such as in joints (haemarthrosis) or muscles.

British and Russian Royal Families

A study published in 2009 identified the blood disease affecting both the Russian (Romanov) and British Royal Families as haemophilia B on the basis of genetic markers.

Translation of "Haemophilia B"

Spanish: Hemofilia B, Polish: Choroba Christmasa, Portuguese: Hemofilia B.