Treatment modalities for inherited factor IX deficiency and the implications of inherited bleeding disorders.

Two cases of factor IX deficiency are presented. Therapeutic methods for anticipated abnormal bleeding during dental surgical procedures on these patients are discussed, and two are illustrated. One treatment regimen, plasmapheresis, has not been discussed previously in the dental literature. Epidemiologic data relative to the frequency and type of inherited bleeding diatheses seen by the dental surgeon were obtained from a 2-year retrospective study involving all admissions to the dental service of a regional hospital. These data, in conjunction with the presented cases, illustrate the need for dentists, especially those in the surgical specialties, to be familiar with the inherited bleeding diatheses and their treatment.