Bleeding disorders
Key points
- Bleeding disorders are a group of conditions of the blood clotting (coagulation) system in which bleeding is prolonged and excessive.
- Normal blood coagulation is a complex process involving as many as 20 different plasma proteins, which are known as blood clotting or coagulation factors.
- Specific abnormalities depend on the specific bleeding disorder.
- It may include factor replacement, fresh frozen plasma transfusion, platelet transfusion, or other therapies.
Alternative names
Coagulopathy
Definition
Bleeding disorders are a group of conditions of the blood clotting (coagulation) system in which bleeding is prolonged and excessive.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Normal blood coagulation is a complex process involving as many as 20 different plasma proteins, which are known as blood clotting or coagulation factors. Normally, these factors interact with other chemicals to form a substance called fibrin that stops bleeding. When certain coagulation factors are deficient or missing, the process is impaired. Bleeding problems can range from mild to severe.
Some bleeding disorders are present at birth and are caused by rare inherited disorders. Others are developed during certain illnesses (such as vitamin K deficiency or severe liver disease), or treatments (such as use of anticoagulant drugs or prolonged use of antibiotics).
Bleeding disorders can also result from a decreased number of (or impaired function of) platelets, the blood cells that promote blood clotting. These disorders can also be either inherited or acquired. The acquired forms often arise from the side effects of certain drugs.
Symptoms
- Excessive bleeding
- Excessive bruising
- Bleeding into joints
- Nose bleeds
- Abnormal menstrual bleeding
See also specific bleeding disorder diseases:
- Hemophilia A
- Hemophilia B
- Factor II deficiency
- Factor V deficiency
- Factor VII deficiency
- Factor X deficiency
- Factor XII deficiency
- Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
- Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
- Drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia
- Von Willebrand's disease (type I and type II)
- Congenital antithrombin III deficiency
- Congenital protein C or S deficiency
- DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation)
Signs and tests
- Complete blood count may show decreased platelets or anemia.
Frequently asked questions
What are bleeding disorders?
Bleeding disorders are a group of conditions of the blood clotting (coagulation) system in which bleeding is prolonged and excessive.
What are the risk factors for bleeding disorders?
Normal blood coagulation is a complex process involving as many as 20 different plasma proteins, which are known as blood clotting or coagulation factors. Normally, these factors interact with other chemicals to form a substance called fibrin that stops bleeding. When certain coagulation factors are deficient or missing, the process is impaired. Bleeding problems can range from mild to severe. Some bleeding disorders are present at birth and are caused by rare inherited disorders. Others are developed during certain illnesses (such as vitamin K deficiency or severe liver disease), or treatments (such as use of anticoagulant drugs or prolonged use of antibiotics).
What are the symptoms of bleeding disorders?
- Excessive bleeding
- Excessive bruising
- Bleeding into joints
- Nose bleeds
- Abnormal menstrual bleeding See also specific bleeding disorder diseases:
- Hemophilia A
- Hemophilia B
- Factor II deficiency
- Factor V deficiency
- Factor VII deficiency
- Factor X deficiency
- Factor XII deficiency
- Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
- Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
- Drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia
- Von Willebrand's disease (type I and type II)
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.