Before factor concentrates were developed, those with hemophilia had a significantly decreased life expectancy. Life expectancy before the 1960s for those with severe hemophilia was limited to 11 years. Currently, the mortality (death) rate for males with hemophilia is twice that of healthy males. As mentioned before, the increase in HIV and hepatitis infections associated with therapy during the 1980s led to a corresponding increase in death rates.
Currently, prompt and adequate treatment
can greatly reduce the risks of life-threatening bleeding episodes and the
severity of long-term damage to joints, but joint deterioration remains a
chronic complication of hemophilia
