My family always thought that there was a strain of Haemophilia in the family. My grt grt grandfather, and my grt aunt (his grandaughter) died from it. Recently, I have been wondering if it truely was haemophilia, as both lived to middle age. Here is my grt grt grandfather's obituary (the relevant part, anyway)-

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AUGUST SANDERS IS SUMMONED TO THE BEYOND OCT. 21ST
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Well Known Resident of Milaca Passed Away at Hospital in Minneapolis Last Saturday Afternoon
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Death Was Caused by Rare Disease Which Destroyed Red Corpuscles Of the Blood System
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The people of this community were saddened by the announcement of the death of August SANDERS, which occured at a hospital in Minneapolis last Saturday, October 21st. The cause of death was anemia brought on by an unusual ailment in which the red corpuscles of the blood deteriorate and the white ones multiply beyond the usual proprtions. It was known that there was little hope for his recovery when he was taken to the hospital some weeks ago. A transfusion of blood was made and revived him for a time, but the disease had too strong a hold and he gradually sank from day to day untill the final summons came.
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His death certificate lists the cause of death as-
Eplenitia (tough to read), chronic fibrous. Contributory cause- secondary anemia

This disease passed through his daughter Edla Minnea SANDERS and was inheritted by her daughter Isabelle Harriet Stromberg. This means it cannot be Haemophilia, because while Isabelle's mother was a carrier, her father did not have the disease...and for a girl to have haemophilia (and not just carry it), both parents have to pass it along. At least that is my limited understanding...

Isabelle's death certificate states her cause of death as-
Pulmonary Hemmorage (cause unknown)

So, does anyone have any clue as to what this disease was? Family lore stated it was haemophilia, but I think it might be something else...maybe related to haemophilia? If anyone has any idea, please let me know. Thank you for your time!

Rob Williams

This is not Haemophilia A or B (Factor VIII and Factor IX deficiency).

It doesn't sound like any of the other Haemophilia's either.

It sounds much more like Haemolytic Anaemia, which can destroy the red blood cells.

The complications vary with the specific type of haemolytic anaemia. Severe anaemia can cause cardiovascular collapse. They can also aggravate pre-existing heart disease, lung disease, or cerebrovascular disease.

Perhaps the similarity in Haemophilia and Haemolytic Anaemia is where the mis-understanding came about?

Pat ...

I meant to say .....

Perhaps the similarity in the names 'Haemophilia' and 'Haemolytic' Anaemia is where the mis-understanding came about?

Pat ...

it's possible it is some sort of hemolytic anemia (wherein red cells are destroyed) or a chronic leukemia...some of those are inherited through something called the Philadelphia chromosome