Hemophilia A is specifically associated with a deficiency of which Factor?

Hemophilia A is specifically associated with a deficiency of Factor VIII. This factor plays a crucial role in the blood coagulation cascade, specifically in the intrinsic pathway. When there is a deficiency or malfunction of Factor VIII, it leads to impaired clot formation, causing prolonged bleeding episodes and a tendency to bleed excessively from even minor injuries.

The importance of Factor VIII in clotting makes it a hallmark for diagnosing Hemophilia A. When clinicians perform tests to evaluate bleeding disorders, they look for abnormalities in the levels or function of Factor VIII to confirm a diagnosis of Hemophilia A.

Understanding the role of Factor VIII clarifies why its deficiency leads to the characteristic symptoms of Hemophilia A, including spontaneous bleeding, especially in joints and muscles, and the necessity for treatment that often involves infusions of Factor VIII concentrates to manage bleeding episodes.