A group of scientists in the Netherlands recently published data suggesting that women
who are carriers of hemophilia, regardless of type, may be at greater risk of joint bleeds
and prolonged bleeding from small wounds than women who are noncarriers of
hemophilia. Moreover, the scientists found that carriers of hemophilia produce less factor
than non-carriers when comparing the lowest factor values among the two groups. 

This study is significant for two reasons.  First, it is one of the only longitudinal studies –
scientific investigations that track subjects over a given time period – examining carriers
of hemophilia.  Second, it provides valuable insight into and data on the various
symptoms and hematological profiles of hemophilia carriers. 

The investigators propose the need for further investigations into the bleeding experience
of carriers of hemophilia, since they would seem to be at greater risk of morbidity related
to spontaneous bleeds than noncarriers.

Source: Plug I, Mauser-Bunschoten E, Brocker-Vriends A, et al. Bleeding in Carriers of
Hemophilia. Blood, July 1, 2006; 108: 52-56.