What are the clinical symptoms of hemophilia in infants?

Hemophilia is a group of inherited bleeding disorders, primarily caused by deficiency or dysfunction of clotting factor VIII (hemophilia A) or factor IX (hemophilia B). Infants with hemophilia have reduced blood clotting ability and are therefore prone to various bleeding symptoms. Clinical manifestations may include unusual bruising, joint bleeding, muscle hemorrhage, deep tissue bleeding, prolonged bleeding after surgery, and persistent bleeding following minor injuries. Symptoms may become more apparent when the infant begins to walk, as they are more likely to fall and sustain injuries. Bleeding episodes can lead to pain, swelling, and limited mobility. In severe cases, infants with hemophilia may experience internal bleeding, such as intracranial hemorrhage, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention. The severity of hemophilia varies from person to person, ranging from mild to severe. Treatment typically involves regular infusions of clotting factors to increase clotting factor levels in the blood and reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes.