Which of the following are TRUE of hemophilia A? Select all that apply.

Hemophilia A is a genetic bleeding disorder primarily caused by a deficiency in clotting factor VIII, which is essential for proper blood coagulation.

The increase in the partial thromboplastin time (PTT) is indeed a characteristic feature of hemophilia A. This is because factor VIII plays a critical role in the intrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade. When there is a deficiency of this factor, the coagulation process is delayed, leading to an increased PTT.

Spontaneous joint bleeding is also a hallmark symptom of hemophilia A. Individuals with this condition often experience bleeding into their joints, commonly referred to as hemarthrosis. This can occur even without any apparent injury because the underlying clotting mechanism is impaired.

Factor VIII deficiency is the defining characteristic of hemophilia A, making it crucial for diagnostic purposes. The presence of a deficiency in this specific factor directly correlates with the symptoms and complications that patients experience.

The misconception that hemophilia A is more common in females is inaccurate; it primarily affects males due to its X-linked recessive inheritance pattern. Females can be carriers or exhibit milder symptoms due to their second X chromosome providing a normal copy of the factor VIII gene.

Overall, the understanding