Hemophilia Glossary
The process by which the medicinal product passes from the point of administration into the plasma, by crossing biological membranes.
In the case of factor VIII, administration is via the intravenous route, which makes absorption immediate.
The secondary effect that a given medicinal product may have on the body, other than its main effect or effects.
Glycoproteins present in the serum involved in immune response, whose function is to neutralise any foreign elements that come into contact with the body, such as viruses and bacteria. Each antibody is able to recognise a specific foreign element, which is known as an antigen.
The process of programmed cell death. A physical process that keeps the number of cells present in an organism under control and destroys cells that have suffered irreversible DNA damage, in order to prevent their uncontrolled proliferation and the onset of cancer.
Phase of haemostasis during which the clot forms.
It is a complex process constituted by a number of biochemical reactions that follow one another according to a specific sequence and that involve a number of proteins, including clotting factors, thrombin and fibrinogen.
A pathological process consisting in a decrease in the amount of minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, etc.) contained in bone tissue. This mineral depletion weakens the bone and leads to a consequent increase in the risk of fractures.
The amount of minerals present in a square centimetre of bone.
The cyclical process that underlies the continuous renewal of bone tissue. It is the result of a delicate balance between the destructive action of the osteoclasts and the production of new bone tissue by the osteoclasts.
A solid mass constituted by a clump of platelets held together by a mesh constituted by a protein called fibrin.
The function of the clot is to plug the opening that forms in the wall of a damaged blood vessel, in order to prevent blood loss.
Once the damage has been repaired, the clot is dissolved by specific mechanisms triggered by our body.
A group of proteins with enzymatic functions involved in the clotting process.
All clotting factors are assigned a Roman numeral, although each one also has a proper name.
Some are produced by the liver, whereas others are synthesised by the endothelial cells that make up the inner lining of the blood vessels.
A protein present in connective tissue. It is the most plentiful protein found in the human body.
The process by which the medicinal product is transported from the blood to the various parts of the body.