Which of the following statements about hemophilia is correct?

Hemophilia is indeed caused by a deficiency in specific clotting factors, primarily factor VIII in hemophilia A and factor IX in hemophilia B. These deficiencies lead to a reduced ability of the blood to clot, resulting in prolonged bleeding from injuries, spontaneous bleeding, and difficulty stopping bleeding after surgery.

Unlike the other options, this fact reflects the genetic nature of hemophilia, which is often inherited in an X-linked recessive pattern, primarily affecting males while females can be carriers. This genetic basis underlines the fact that the disorder arises from a specific deficiency in these clotting factors rather than from a broader issue such as vitamin K deficiency, which is not the main cause of hemophilia. Additionally, there currently is no complete cure for hemophilia; treatment usually involves replacement therapy of the missing clotting factors and managing bleeding episodes.

Thus, understanding that hemophilia is directly related to deficiencies in specific clotting factors is essential for grasping the pathophysiology of the disorder.