[The care of the hemophiliac--our contribution to the prevention of his invalidism].

In view of the normal present-day life expectancy of the hemophiliac, our main task is to prevent disability. The chief cause of disability is joint and muscle hemorrhages, though these are not in themselves life-threatening. Their early and proper treatment serves to avoid disability through replacement of the deficient coagulation factor, careful immobilization of the affected limb and early physical therapy. Optimum treatment calls for close cooperation between the hemophilia specialist, the general practitioner or pediatrician, and the hemophiliac.