The effectiveness of liver-directed, viral-based gene transfer — the most used experimental gene therapy approach for hemophilia A — is significantly reduced in mouse models of hemophilia A relative to healthy mice, a study shows. This limitation was associated with a pronounced reduction in fenestrations — cell surface…

At times I struggle with documenting my journey as a caregiver for a loved one with a bleeding disorder. I can’t offer medical advice because I am not an expert. The most I can do is share my experiences and hope that something I write might speak to someone…

A blood test to determine the amount of active factor IX — the clotting factor that is missing in hemophilia B — in patients ages 2 and older is now available in clinical labs in Canada, the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand. The test, called CRYOcheck Chromogenic…

The investigational gene therapy Roctavian continues to effectively and safely prevent bleeding episodes and the need for clotting factor VIII replacement therapy in adults with severe hemophilia A, five-year data from a Phase 1/2 study show. BioMarin Pharmaceutical, the therapy’s developer, plans to share the data in…

Sometimes, conversations lead me to reveal that my boys have hemophilia. It is usually a harmless conversation without any agenda. However, I am not always sure how to reply when someone tells me how sorry they are to hear that my boys have an illness. It often depends on…

I work as a pastor in the United Methodist Church. One of the many challenges of participating in a denomination that calls ministers to move quite frequently in an itinerant system is the continuous upheaval regarding medical care. For those who live with chronic issues, picking up stakes and heading…

My husband, Jared, and I are both in our late 20s. In a few months, Jared will be turning 30, and I will follow next year. I used to fear the day I would reach the big three-oh, but now I am excited. I view the 30s as a decade…

We find ourselves in a delightful spot regarding hemophilia. My youngest boy’s last internal bleeding episode occurred nearly eight years ago. Using prophylactic treatment, we’re managing his bleeding disorder well. My older son, who struggled with breakthrough bleeding episodes despite using a recombinant factor VIII product, now finds…

I will not baby my husband. I will not carry all the weight on my shoulders just because he is “sick.” His disability does not mean that he is brittle. He has the capacity to grow, develop, and become more resilient over time. But that is something he won’t be able…

I really hate asking for help. I have several theories why, but mostly, it boils down to a fear of inconveniencing others. Perhaps there are deeper causes, like needing to learn that I am worthy of accepting it and understanding that everyone deserves to have their needs met, both physically…