The Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) of University Hospitals of Cleveland is proud to be recognized by the Federal Department of Maternal and Child Health as a regional comprehensive hemophilia treatment center. The Treatment Center provides comprehensive care for pediatric and adult patients affected by bleeding disorders including hemophilia A and B, von Willebrands disease, and a variety rarer bleeding disorders.
New patients are seen in the Treatment Center for evaluations of whether they have a bleeding disorder and if so what type. Common symptoms that require patients to be referred for evaluation include easy bruising, nose bleeds, heavy menstrual periods or unexpected bleeding with surgery. Some patients are referred because of other family members with unusual bleeding symptoms or diagnosis of disorders that are known to be genetic. Patients are also referred because of abnormalities on blood tests done by their primary care providers.
Once a bleeding disorder has been diagnosed our HTC provides comprehensive care on a regular basis. Our multidisciplinary team consists of adult and pediatric hematologists, two hemophilia nurse specialists, a social worker, child life specialist, data manager and physical therapist. The members of the team have extensive knowledge and experience in the field of coagulation disorders and are available to meet with every patient and family at their comprehensive visits. Also, there are pediatric and adult orthopedic surgeons, dentists, oral surgeons, ENT physicians, gynecologists and genetic counselors who work closely with the HTC staff and are familiar with the concerns of patients with bleeding disorders. We have all of the extensive resources offered at University Hospitals of Cleveland available to our patients. Our staff will assist with coordinating surgeries, medical procedures, diagnostic testing, and evaluations by working with the patient's primary physician, dentist, or specialist to ensure that the coagulation disorder is managed in a safe, reliable, and efficient manner using the most current treatments, products, and knowledge available.
We place an emphasis on preventative medical care and strive to be prepared for emergency situations while focusing care to prevent possible long term complications of intermittent bleeding episodes. The members of the HTC are active in educating our patients and families about their bleeding disorder. Through numerous education and support programs for families, offered via traditional and nationally recognized innovative teaching strategies, we strive to provide our patient's and their families with the information and support they need to live their lives as fully and independently as possible. Some of our most popular programs include: self infusion training and home care management including nursing services and 24 hour physician coverage, school and home visits, children’s educational programs, which are coordinated via our HTC Advisory Council of parents and patients. Outreach clinics provided in Middlefield offer our Amish and Mennonite families an affordable visit in their own neighborhood to avoid travel barriers. Patients and families are encouraged to be full partners in their treatment. HTC staff provide education and consultation to medical professionals to enhance the coordination and quality of services provided to the patient. We offer our patients participation in research studies and clinical trials.