Final answer:
Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that results in a deficiency of clotting factors, leading to a heightened risk of bleeding. It is most often inherited in an X-linked recessive pattern. Treatment involves replacing the deficient clotting factors, and genetic therapy holds potential for future treatments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hemophilia is an inherited deficiency of clotting in which bleeding may occur spontaneously or after only minor trauma. It is a genetic disorder characterized by the inadequate synthesis of clotting factors necessary for proper blood coagulation. The most common types of this condition are hemophilia A and hemophilia B, which are due to deficiencies of factor VIII and factor IX, respectively. Hemophilia is typically inherited in an X-linked recessive pattern, making it more common among males, who inherit the defective gene from their mothers.
Individuals with hemophilia experience prolonged bleeding from minor injuries, and can even bleed internally into joints and muscles, which can lead to significant complications. Treatment often involves regular infusions of the missing clotting factors, which are derived from healthy donors. With advancements in medicine, there is also the potential for genetic therapy to offer a more permanent solution.