Hemophilia three times more prevalent than previously thought

A new study of data from six high-income countries reports that hemophilia may be more prevalent than previously thought. Past estimates have suggested that the disease affects up to 400,000 males worldwide, but researchers now put that figure at over 1.1 million for both types of hemophilia, which differ by the gene affected. The study says that 418,000 should have severe forms of the disease, which is characterized by frequent bleeding into muscles or joints. The findings are especially concerning, the authors write, because fewer than 200,000 people worldwide have currently been diagnosed with hemophilia. Where people live could affect whether they get access to treatment, and so future research should assess rates of hemophilia in low- and middle-income countries, the researchers suggest.