Inhibitors

Healthwise
By Robin Parks, MS

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Some people who have hemophilia A develop antibodies to the injected clotting factor. The antibodies are called inhibitors. Inhibitors may make it more difficult to treat bleeding episodes because the body's natural defense system (immune system) interferes with the function of replacement clotting factors. In these cases, treatment may require specially engineered replacement clotting factors. Other treatment for clotting factor inhibitors includes therapy to suppress the immune system (immunosuppressive therapy).

Credits

Author Robin Parks, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology
Last Updated August 20, 2007
Last Updated: 08/20/2007