Hemophilia

Inheritance	X-linked recessive
Occurrence	1 in 5,000 to 1 in 10,000 males in most populations. 15,000 people in the U.S. are affected with hemophilia
Description	There is a defect in blood coagulation factor VIII which prevents blood clotting. This causes hemorrhage, easy bruising, and prolonged bleeding from wounds.
Testing	there is carrier testing available
Treatment	individuals must receive factor VIII from injections. Factor VIII has a half life of 8 to 12 hours and in some cases individuals need infusions twice a day

Gene Therapy

This is very similar to the activity found in Cystic Fibrosis. It may be best to introduce the class to gene therapy in CF and then move on to hemophilia.

Have the class (either in groups or individually) derive a protocol for treating hemophilia through gene therapy. They would have to replace the gene for blood coagulation factor VIII.

Giving and Receiving Blood and Blood Products

Many individuals are misinformed about giving and receiving blood products. With many high schools now hosting blood drives, this would be an appropriate activity to preface such an event. This activity was placed under hemophilia because of the high number of hemophiliacs who became infected with HIV before testing was available. This event has caused many individuals to be wary of our system for acquiring blood for transfusion. You should invite a nurse or worker for the blood center who will be coming on campus to speak to your class and present the evidence of risk and explain the detailed testing that occurs with every blood sample given. Most donated blood goes to accident victims or patients who sustain blood loss during surgery. They should also address the safety and sterility for donors as well as the risks and safety for recipients. This would be more of an informational event, but one that is needed to allay fears and educate students.