This is a hereditary disease occurring in males and transmitted by females. A disease of excessive and easy bleeding, it is believed to be caused by a deficiency of plasma thromboplastinogen.
Formation of thrombin, needed for clot formation, is lacking, and consequently, no blood clot forms.
Bleeding may be controlled by application of cold packs locally; otherwise, plasma transfusions and transfusions of antihemophiliac globulin and 50 per cent fibrinogen transfusions have been helpful. There is no cure.