Joint bleeds cause progressive damage to the joint called hemophilic arthropathy or arthritis. A joint bleed occurs when blood seeps into the space where bones meet. Joint bleeds are painful because the space is already filled with a lubricating substance called synovial fluid and there is not enough room for blood in the space. Because blood does not normally belong in this space, the body does not have an efficient way of removing it. The body tries to break down the blood, which causes the formation of damaging byproducts. The membrane around the joint, called the synovium, becomes damaged and swells, which may cause the joint to bleed more easily.2
Acute bleeding should be treated quickly to help slow or stop the progression of damage. In people with hemophilia A or B with an inhibitor this usually means treatment with a bypassing product. For more information on managing acute hemophilic bleeds, visit some of the hemophilia websites in the Resources Section.
