HMC’s Pediatrics Hematology/Oncology Unit in collaboration with Friends of Hemophilia Society organizes symposium to mark world hemophilia

In recognition of World Hemophilia Day (WHD), Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Pediatrics Hematology/Oncology Unit in collaboration with the Friends of Hemophilia Society recently hosted a two-day symposium to raise awareness of hemophilia and educate patients and their families about the condition.

Hemophilia occurs because of defects in the body’s blood vessels or the coagulation mechanism, which is responsible for coagulating (clotting) blood from a liquid into a solid, after surgery or injury. The incidence of hemophilia is quite low although statistics on its incidence vary. However, it is estimated that in the United States one in every 5,000 -10,000 people are born with the disorder.

“When a person without hemophilia bleeds, normal levels of clotting factor, a protein in the blood, causes the blood to clot and stops the bleeding. However, hemophiliacs (people with hemophilia) have lower levels of clotting factor in the blood and bleeding continues for much longer periods,” explained Dr. Ahmed Abdulaziz Abdelbari, Clinical Pharmacist at Hamad General Hospital (HGH) and one of the chief organizers of the event.

“An affected individual can bleed profusely for a longer time after trauma. These hemorrhages commonly occur in joints, especially knees, ankles and elbows, and into tissues and muscles,” Dr. Abdelbari described.

More than 100 participants attended the symposium, including hematologists, nurses, pharmacists, orthopedic surgeons and physiotherapists as well as patients, their families and caregivers. The symposium featured a number of interesting lectures and specialized workshops for healthcare professionals, along with fun activities for patients and their families.

Dr. Abdelbari stated: “We are excited to have successfully organized this important symposium for the seventh time. It was an excellent opportunity for us to raise awareness of hemophilia and advocate for people affected by different kinds of bleeding disorders in Qatar. The event builds on HMC’s commitment to providing the safest, most effective and most compassionate care to each and every one of our patients. We encourage individuals across different disciplines to promote discussions and think of ways that will improve the quality of life of those living with this condition.”

“Presently, over 70 patients with rare bleeding disorders, including children and adults, receive medication (clotting factor) from pharmacies at HGH and the National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR),” he added.

Speakers during the Hemophilia Day symposium are: Dr. Abdelbari; Dr. Manuel Caraco from the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Canada; Dr. Nicholas Goddard from Royal Free hospital, UK; Dr. Grieg Blamey from Maintoba, Canada; and Vanessa Bouskill, RN from Sickkids, Canada.