Bleeding disorders result from problems with blood clotting and can range from mild to life-threatening. The coagulation cascade describes the series of biochemical reactions involved in clotting. There are two pathways - intrinsic and extrinsic - that activate clotting factors and ultimately form a fibrin clot. Common symptoms include bruising, nosebleeds, and heavy periods. Investigations may include blood tests of clotting factors and bleeding time. Specific deficiencies are diagnosed through factor assays and gene analysis. Treatment depends on the underlying condition.
INTRODUCTION
• Blood must be maintained in a fluid state in order to function as a transport system, but must be able to solidify to form a clot following vascular injury.
• Successful haemostasis is achieved by complex interactions between vascular endothelium, platelets, coagulation factors etc.
HAEMOSTASIS
• The term haemostasis is derived from the Greek word haem= blood and stasis=halt.
• Process of stoppage of bleeding after blood vessels are punctured , cut , or otherwise damaged.
• It is a complex natural physiological response.
• Bleeding disorders are due to altered ability of blood vessels, platelets , and coagulation factors to maintain haemostasis.
• Steps of natural haemostasis:
• Pre-injury conditions-> Early haemostatic response-> Fibrin clot formation-> Limiting clot formation-> Fibrinolysis
INTRODUCTION
• Blood must be maintained in a fluid state in order to function as a transport system, but must be able to solidify to form a clot following vascular injury.
• Successful haemostasis is achieved by complex interactions between vascular endothelium, platelets, coagulation factors etc.
HAEMOSTASIS
• The term haemostasis is derived from the Greek word haem= blood and stasis=halt.
• Process of stoppage of bleeding after blood vessels are punctured , cut , or otherwise damaged.
• It is a complex natural physiological response.
• Bleeding disorders are due to altered ability of blood vessels, platelets , and coagulation factors to maintain haemostasis.
• Steps of natural haemostasis:
• Pre-injury conditions-> Early haemostatic response-> Fibrin clot formation-> Limiting clot formation-> Fibrinolysis
Hemostasis is the arrest of bleeding, whether it be by normal vasoconstriction (the vessel walls closing temporarily), by an abnormal obstruction (such as a plaque) or by coagulation or surgical means (such as ligation)
This would give an idea of the various bleeding disorders, associated clotting factors and more specifically management in the dental office of the patients with bleeding disorders
Bleeding Disorders: Causes, Types, and Diagnosis Dr Medical
https://userupload.net/wxvqfbo7ywqu
A bleeding disorder is a condition that affects the way your blood normally clots. The clotting process, also known as coagulation, changes blood from a liquid to a solid. When you’re injured, your blood normally begins to clot to prevent a massive loss of blood. Sometimes, certain conditions prevent blood from clotting properly, which can result in heavy or prolonged bleeding.
Bleeding disorders can cause abnormal bleeding both outside and inside the body. Some disorders can drastically increase the amount of blood leaving your body. Others cause bleeding to occur under the skin or in vital organs, such as the brain.
Bleeding disorders Causes, Types, and DiagnosisDr Medical
https://userupload.net/v3l4i8jsk7wq
Factor II, V, VII, X, or XII deficiencies are bleeding disorders related to blood clotting problems or abnormal bleeding problems. Von Willebrand's disease isthe most common inherited bleeding disorder. It develops when the blood lacks von Willebrand factor, which helps the blood to clot.
Hemostasis is the arrest of bleeding, whether it be by normal vasoconstriction (the vessel walls closing temporarily), by an abnormal obstruction (such as a plaque) or by coagulation or surgical means (such as ligation)
This would give an idea of the various bleeding disorders, associated clotting factors and more specifically management in the dental office of the patients with bleeding disorders
Bleeding Disorders: Causes, Types, and Diagnosis Dr Medical
https://userupload.net/wxvqfbo7ywqu
A bleeding disorder is a condition that affects the way your blood normally clots. The clotting process, also known as coagulation, changes blood from a liquid to a solid. When you’re injured, your blood normally begins to clot to prevent a massive loss of blood. Sometimes, certain conditions prevent blood from clotting properly, which can result in heavy or prolonged bleeding.
Bleeding disorders can cause abnormal bleeding both outside and inside the body. Some disorders can drastically increase the amount of blood leaving your body. Others cause bleeding to occur under the skin or in vital organs, such as the brain.
Bleeding disorders Causes, Types, and DiagnosisDr Medical
https://userupload.net/v3l4i8jsk7wq
Factor II, V, VII, X, or XII deficiencies are bleeding disorders related to blood clotting problems or abnormal bleeding problems. Von Willebrand's disease isthe most common inherited bleeding disorder. It develops when the blood lacks von Willebrand factor, which helps the blood to clot.
Clotting disorder 2/certified fixed orthodontic courses by Indian dental academyIndian dental academy
The Indian Dental Academy is the Leader in continuing dental education , training dentists in all aspects of dentistry and
offering a wide range of dental certified courses in different formats.for more details please visit
www.indiandentalacademy.com
Bleeding Per Rectum In Children By Prof. Sushmita N. Bhatnagar MBBS, M.S., M.Ch,M.PHIL(Hospital Management)
HEAD, PEDIATRIC SURGERY
B.J WADIA CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL, MUMBAI
CONSULTANT PEDIATRIC SURGEON
BOMBAY HOSPITAL
JOINT SECRETARY
ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL CONSULTANTS
For info log on to www.healthlibrary.com.
The Indian Dental Academy is the Leader in continuing dental education , training dentists in all aspects of dentistry and
offering a wide range of dental certified courses in different formats.for more details please visit
www.indiandentalacademy.com
The Indian Dental Academy is the Leader in continuing dental education , training dentists in all aspects of dentistry and
offering a wide range of dental certified courses in different formats.
Hemostasis, Coagulation, Intrinsic, Extrinsic & common Pathways of Clotting, Common bleeding disorders & their investigations, BT, CT, PT, APTT, TT, Blood & its products, Blood transfusion & its complication.
These lecture slides, by Dr Sidra Arshad, offer a quick overview of physiological basis of a normal electrocardiogram.
Learning objectives:
1. Define an electrocardiogram (ECG) and electrocardiography
2. Describe how dipoles generated by the heart produce the waveforms of the ECG
3. Describe the components of a normal electrocardiogram of a typical bipolar leads (limb II)
4. Differentiate between intervals and segments
5. Enlist some common indications for obtaining an ECG
Study Resources:
1. Chapter 11, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th edition
2. Chapter 9, Human Physiology - From Cells to Systems, Lauralee Sherwood, 9th edition
3. Chapter 29, Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th edition
4. Electrocardiogram, StatPearls - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549803/
5. ECG in Medical Practice by ABM Abdullah, 4th edition
6. ECG Basics, http://www.nataliescasebook.com/tag/e-c-g-basics
Lung Cancer: Artificial Intelligence, Synergetics, Complex System Analysis, S...Oleg Kshivets
RESULTS: Overall life span (LS) was 2252.1±1742.5 days and cumulative 5-year survival (5YS) reached 73.2%, 10 years – 64.8%, 20 years – 42.5%. 513 LCP lived more than 5 years (LS=3124.6±1525.6 days), 148 LCP – more than 10 years (LS=5054.4±1504.1 days).199 LCP died because of LC (LS=562.7±374.5 days). 5YS of LCP after bi/lobectomies was significantly superior in comparison with LCP after pneumonectomies (78.1% vs.63.7%, P=0.00001 by log-rank test). AT significantly improved 5YS (66.3% vs. 34.8%) (P=0.00000 by log-rank test) only for LCP with N1-2. Cox modeling displayed that 5YS of LCP significantly depended on: phase transition (PT) early-invasive LC in terms of synergetics, PT N0—N12, cell ratio factors (ratio between cancer cells- CC and blood cells subpopulations), G1-3, histology, glucose, AT, blood cell circuit, prothrombin index, heparin tolerance, recalcification time (P=0.000-0.038). Neural networks, genetic algorithm selection and bootstrap simulation revealed relationships between 5YS and PT early-invasive LC (rank=1), PT N0—N12 (rank=2), thrombocytes/CC (3), erythrocytes/CC (4), eosinophils/CC (5), healthy cells/CC (6), lymphocytes/CC (7), segmented neutrophils/CC (8), stick neutrophils/CC (9), monocytes/CC (10); leucocytes/CC (11). Correct prediction of 5YS was 100% by neural networks computing (area under ROC curve=1.0; error=0.0).
CONCLUSIONS: 5YS of LCP after radical procedures significantly depended on: 1) PT early-invasive cancer; 2) PT N0--N12; 3) cell ratio factors; 4) blood cell circuit; 5) biochemical factors; 6) hemostasis system; 7) AT; 8) LC characteristics; 9) LC cell dynamics; 10) surgery type: lobectomy/pneumonectomy; 11) anthropometric data. Optimal diagnosis and treatment strategies for LC are: 1) screening and early detection of LC; 2) availability of experienced thoracic surgeons because of complexity of radical procedures; 3) aggressive en block surgery and adequate lymph node dissection for completeness; 4) precise prediction; 5) adjuvant chemoimmunoradiotherapy for LCP with unfavorable prognosis.
These simplified slides by Dr. Sidra Arshad present an overview of the non-respiratory functions of the respiratory tract.
Learning objectives:
1. Enlist the non-respiratory functions of the respiratory tract
2. Briefly explain how these functions are carried out
3. Discuss the significance of dead space
4. Differentiate between minute ventilation and alveolar ventilation
5. Describe the cough and sneeze reflexes
Study Resources:
1. Chapter 39, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th edition
2. Chapter 34, Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th edition
3. Chapter 17, Human Physiology by Lauralee Sherwood, 9th edition
4. Non-respiratory functions of the lungs https://academic.oup.com/bjaed/article/13/3/98/278874
Ethanol (CH3CH2OH), or beverage alcohol, is a two-carbon alcohol
that is rapidly distributed in the body and brain. Ethanol alters many
neurochemical systems and has rewarding and addictive properties. It
is the oldest recreational drug and likely contributes to more morbidity,
mortality, and public health costs than all illicit drugs combined. The
5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
(DSM-5) integrates alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence into a single
disorder called alcohol use disorder (AUD), with mild, moderate,
and severe subclassifications (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
In the DSM-5, all types of substance abuse and dependence have been
combined into a single substance use disorder (SUD) on a continuum
from mild to severe. A diagnosis of AUD requires that at least two of
the 11 DSM-5 behaviors be present within a 12-month period (mild
AUD: 2–3 criteria; moderate AUD: 4–5 criteria; severe AUD: 6–11 criteria).
The four main behavioral effects of AUD are impaired control over
drinking, negative social consequences, risky use, and altered physiological
effects (tolerance, withdrawal). This chapter presents an overview
of the prevalence and harmful consequences of AUD in the U.S.,
the systemic nature of the disease, neurocircuitry and stages of AUD,
comorbidities, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, genetic risk factors, and
pharmacotherapies for AUD.
TEST BANK for Operations Management, 14th Edition by William J. Stevenson, Ve...kevinkariuki227
TEST BANK for Operations Management, 14th Edition by William J. Stevenson, Verified Chapters 1 - 19, Complete Newest Version.pdf
TEST BANK for Operations Management, 14th Edition by William J. Stevenson, Verified Chapters 1 - 19, Complete Newest Version.pdf
Couples presenting to the infertility clinic- Do they really have infertility...Sujoy Dasgupta
Dr Sujoy Dasgupta presented the study on "Couples presenting to the infertility clinic- Do they really have infertility? – The unexplored stories of non-consummation" in the 13th Congress of the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE 2024) at Manila on 24 May, 2024.
Ozempic: Preoperative Management of Patients on GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Saeid Safari
Preoperative Management of Patients on GLP-1 Receptor Agonists like Ozempic and Semiglutide
ASA GUIDELINE
NYSORA Guideline
2 Case Reports of Gastric Ultrasound
Recomendações da OMS sobre cuidados maternos e neonatais para uma experiência pós-natal positiva.
Em consonância com os ODS – Objetivos do Desenvolvimento Sustentável e a Estratégia Global para a Saúde das Mulheres, Crianças e Adolescentes, e aplicando uma abordagem baseada nos direitos humanos, os esforços de cuidados pós-natais devem expandir-se para além da cobertura e da simples sobrevivência, de modo a incluir cuidados de qualidade.
Estas diretrizes visam melhorar a qualidade dos cuidados pós-natais essenciais e de rotina prestados às mulheres e aos recém-nascidos, com o objetivo final de melhorar a saúde e o bem-estar materno e neonatal.
Uma “experiência pós-natal positiva” é um resultado importante para todas as mulheres que dão à luz e para os seus recém-nascidos, estabelecendo as bases para a melhoria da saúde e do bem-estar a curto e longo prazo. Uma experiência pós-natal positiva é definida como aquela em que as mulheres, pessoas que gestam, os recém-nascidos, os casais, os pais, os cuidadores e as famílias recebem informação consistente, garantia e apoio de profissionais de saúde motivados; e onde um sistema de saúde flexível e com recursos reconheça as necessidades das mulheres e dos bebês e respeite o seu contexto cultural.
Estas diretrizes consolidadas apresentam algumas recomendações novas e já bem fundamentadas sobre cuidados pós-natais de rotina para mulheres e neonatos que recebem cuidados no pós-parto em unidades de saúde ou na comunidade, independentemente dos recursos disponíveis.
É fornecido um conjunto abrangente de recomendações para cuidados durante o período puerperal, com ênfase nos cuidados essenciais que todas as mulheres e recém-nascidos devem receber, e com a devida atenção à qualidade dos cuidados; isto é, a entrega e a experiência do cuidado recebido. Estas diretrizes atualizam e ampliam as recomendações da OMS de 2014 sobre cuidados pós-natais da mãe e do recém-nascido e complementam as atuais diretrizes da OMS sobre a gestão de complicações pós-natais.
O estabelecimento da amamentação e o manejo das principais intercorrências é contemplada.
Recomendamos muito.
Vamos discutir essas recomendações no nosso curso de pós-graduação em Aleitamento no Instituto Ciclos.
Esta publicação só está disponível em inglês até o momento.
Prof. Marcus Renato de Carvalho
www.agostodourado.com
Tom Selleck Health: A Comprehensive Look at the Iconic Actor’s Wellness Journeygreendigital
Tom Selleck, an enduring figure in Hollywood. has captivated audiences for decades with his rugged charm, iconic moustache. and memorable roles in television and film. From his breakout role as Thomas Magnum in Magnum P.I. to his current portrayal of Frank Reagan in Blue Bloods. Selleck's career has spanned over 50 years. But beyond his professional achievements. fans have often been curious about Tom Selleck Health. especially as he has aged in the public eye.
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Introduction
Many have been interested in Tom Selleck health. not only because of his enduring presence on screen but also because of the challenges. and lifestyle choices he has faced and made over the years. This article delves into the various aspects of Tom Selleck health. exploring his fitness regimen, diet, mental health. and the challenges he has encountered as he ages. We'll look at how he maintains his well-being. the health issues he has faced, and his approach to ageing .
Early Life and Career
Childhood and Athletic Beginnings
Tom Selleck was born on January 29, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Sherman Oaks, California. From an early age, he was involved in sports, particularly basketball. which played a significant role in his physical development. His athletic pursuits continued into college. where he attended the University of Southern California (USC) on a basketball scholarship. This early involvement in sports laid a strong foundation for his physical health and disciplined lifestyle.
Transition to Acting
Selleck's transition from an athlete to an actor came with its physical demands. His first significant role in "Magnum P.I." required him to perform various stunts and maintain a fit appearance. This role, which he played from 1980 to 1988. necessitated a rigorous fitness routine to meet the show's demands. setting the stage for his long-term commitment to health and wellness.
Fitness Regimen
Workout Routine
Tom Selleck health and fitness regimen has evolved. adapting to his changing roles and age. During his "Magnum, P.I." days. Selleck's workouts were intense and focused on building and maintaining muscle mass. His routine included weightlifting, cardiovascular exercises. and specific training for the stunts he performed on the show.
Selleck adjusted his fitness routine as he aged to suit his body's needs. Today, his workouts focus on maintaining flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular health. He incorporates low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking, and light weightlifting. This balanced approach helps him stay fit without putting undue strain on his joints and muscles.
Importance of Flexibility and Mobility
In recent years, Selleck has emphasized the importance of flexibility and mobility in his fitness regimen. Understanding the natural decline in muscle mass and joint flexibility with age. he includes stretching and yoga in his routine. These practices help prevent injuries, improve posture, and maintain mobilit
Report Back from SGO 2024: What’s the Latest in Cervical Cancer?bkling
Are you curious about what’s new in cervical cancer research or unsure what the findings mean? Join Dr. Emily Ko, a gynecologic oncologist at Penn Medicine, to learn about the latest updates from the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) 2024 Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer. Dr. Ko will discuss what the research presented at the conference means for you and answer your questions about the new developments.
Title: Sense of Smell
Presenter: Dr. Faiza, Assistant Professor of Physiology
Qualifications:
MBBS (Best Graduate, AIMC Lahore)
FCPS Physiology
ICMT, CHPE, DHPE (STMU)
MPH (GC University, Faisalabad)
MBA (Virtual University of Pakistan)
Learning Objectives:
Describe the primary categories of smells and the concept of odor blindness.
Explain the structure and location of the olfactory membrane and mucosa, including the types and roles of cells involved in olfaction.
Describe the pathway and mechanisms of olfactory signal transmission from the olfactory receptors to the brain.
Illustrate the biochemical cascade triggered by odorant binding to olfactory receptors, including the role of G-proteins and second messengers in generating an action potential.
Identify different types of olfactory disorders such as anosmia, hyposmia, hyperosmia, and dysosmia, including their potential causes.
Key Topics:
Olfactory Genes:
3% of the human genome accounts for olfactory genes.
400 genes for odorant receptors.
Olfactory Membrane:
Located in the superior part of the nasal cavity.
Medially: Folds downward along the superior septum.
Laterally: Folds over the superior turbinate and upper surface of the middle turbinate.
Total surface area: 5-10 square centimeters.
Olfactory Mucosa:
Olfactory Cells: Bipolar nerve cells derived from the CNS (100 million), with 4-25 olfactory cilia per cell.
Sustentacular Cells: Produce mucus and maintain ionic and molecular environment.
Basal Cells: Replace worn-out olfactory cells with an average lifespan of 1-2 months.
Bowman’s Gland: Secretes mucus.
Stimulation of Olfactory Cells:
Odorant dissolves in mucus and attaches to receptors on olfactory cilia.
Involves a cascade effect through G-proteins and second messengers, leading to depolarization and action potential generation in the olfactory nerve.
Quality of a Good Odorant:
Small (3-20 Carbon atoms), volatile, water-soluble, and lipid-soluble.
Facilitated by odorant-binding proteins in mucus.
Membrane Potential and Action Potential:
Resting membrane potential: -55mV.
Action potential frequency in the olfactory nerve increases with odorant strength.
Adaptation Towards the Sense of Smell:
Rapid adaptation within the first second, with further slow adaptation.
Psychological adaptation greater than receptor adaptation, involving feedback inhibition from the central nervous system.
Primary Sensations of Smell:
Camphoraceous, Musky, Floral, Pepperminty, Ethereal, Pungent, Putrid.
Odor Detection Threshold:
Examples: Hydrogen sulfide (0.0005 ppm), Methyl-mercaptan (0.002 ppm).
Some toxic substances are odorless at lethal concentrations.
Characteristics of Smell:
Odor blindness for single substances due to lack of appropriate receptor protein.
Behavioral and emotional influences of smell.
Transmission of Olfactory Signals:
From olfactory cells to glomeruli in the olfactory bulb, involving lateral inhibition.
Primitive, less old, and new olfactory systems with different path
2. Bleeding disorders
• Bleeding disorders are usually taken to mean coagulopathies with reduced
clotting of the blood but also encompass disorders characterised by
abnormal platelet function or blood vessel walls that result in increased
bleeding. Bleeding disorders may result from faults at many different
levels in the coagulation cascade. They can range from severe and life-
threatening conditions, such as haemophilia A, to much more mild
variants. Some bleeding symptoms (eg, bruising without obvious cause,
nosebleeds and heavy menstrual bleeding) are quite common in the
general population and there is phenotypic variation even among
individuals with defined bleeding problems. Investigation of mild bleeding
problems often fails to provide a diagnosis
3. The coagulation cascade
• When a blood vessel is injured, a series of biochemical reactions is
brought into play. This has been presented in the past as a coagulation
'cascade', describing a series of reactions necessary to achieve
haemostasis by developing a clot, stopping its formation at the right
time,and eventually facilitating clot dissolution when the vessel has
healed. The scientific literature has moved towards the concept of a cell-
based model which has more relevance to in vitro mechanisms
4. • Most of the proteins required for the cascade are produced by the liver as
inactive precursors (zymogens) which are then modified into clotting
factors. There are two routes for activation of the coagulation system. The
intrinsic pathway is activated by contact with collagen from damaged
blood vessels (or indeed any negatively charged surface). The extrinsic
pathway is activated by contact with tissue factor from the surface of
extravascular cells.
• Both routes end in a final common pathway - the proteolytic activation of
thrombin and the cleaving of fibrinogen to form a fibrin clot. The intrinsic
pathway is the main 'player' in this scenario, with the extrinsic pathway
acting as an enhancer.
5. The cell-based model
• The original cascade proposed by McFarlane in 1964 has been developed
over the ensuing decades. A newer model describes the complex formed
by tissue factor and factor VII. These participate in the activation of factor
IX, indicating that the intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation pathways are
linked almost from the outset.[4] The new cascade model identifies a role
for endothelial cells and details the influence of host factors.
6. Three stages are identified in the cell-based model in which it is envisaged
that most of the processes involved occur at the cell surface level:
Initiation - tissue factor-expressing cells and microparticles are exposed to
plasma.
Amplification - small amounts of thrombin induce platelet activation and
aggregation and promote activation of factors V, VIII and XI on platelet
surfaces.
Propagation - this involves the formation of proteins (eg, tenase,
prothrombinase) involved in the formation of the thrombin clot.
7. Congenital bleeding disorders
Haemophilia A (factor VIII deficiency) and haemophilia B (factor IX deficiency
or Christmas' disease) are the most well-known congenital bleeding
disorders as well as celebrated examples of X-linked genetic disease.[7]
Other inherited bleeding disorders affecting the coagulation pathway are
much rarer and inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion; for example,
prothrombin (factor II) deficiency is found in about 1 in 2 million
individuals.
Von Willebrand's disease (vWD) is the most common inherited bleeding
disorder. Usually the condition is mild without spontaneous bleeding. It
occurs equally in men and women and is caused by reduced production or
abnormality of Von Willebrand's factor (vWF) that both promotes normal
platelet function and stabilises factor VIII.
Rare autosomal recessive disorders (Glanzmann's thrombasthenia and
Bernard-Soulier syndrome) affecting platelet membrane glycoproteins
and causing abnormal platelet binding and aggregation
8. Acquired disorders
• Liver disease and cirrhosis cause reduced synthesis of clotting proteins and
thrombocytopenia.
• Vitamin K deficiency due to dietary deficiency, gastrointestinal malabsorption or absence of
gut bacteria in infancy (haemorrhagic disease of the newborn).[10]
• Shock, sepsis or malignancy can all cause an increased bleeding tendency, often through the
final common pathway of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) where simultaneous
microvascular thrombosis and generalised bleeding occur due to massive consumption of
coagulation factors or damage to vessel walls (for example, in meningococcal septicaemia).
• Renal disease causes platelet dysfunction and reduced aggregation.
• Circulating autoantibodies to coagulation factors (eg, in lymphoma and systemic lupus
erythematosus) or to platelets (as in immune thrombocytopenic purpura).
• Amyloidosis where factor X deficiency occurs as well as local infiltration of blood vessels.
• Vitamin C deficiency can cause diffuse haemorrhage in surgical patients.[11]
• Advanced age can be associated with fragile veins.[12]
• Prolonged steroid use is reputed to be associated with hypercoagulability and increased
bleeding tendency. However, one study found that this effect was likely to be of limited
clinical consequence
9. Symptoms
• Bruising may be spontaneous or recurrent:
• Large bruises on sun-exposed areas of limbs in the elderly are usually due
to cumulative ultraviolet vessel damage and are rarely significant.[18]
• Large bruises on the trunk are more indicative of a bleeding disorder.
10. • Prolonged bleeding:
• After minor cuts or abrasions.
• Nosebleeds lasting >10 minutes despite compression (especially in
children).
• Severe menorrhagia causing anaemia, with normal uterus.
• Bleeding from gums without gingival disease and unrelated to brushing.
• Following dental extraction.
• Postpartum haemorrhage.
• After injections or surgical procedures.
11. • Current medication:
• Including aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, warfarin and
complementary/alternative preparations.
• Remember drug interactions between warfarin and other medications
that prolong the international normalised ratio (INR).
12. • Family history of bleeding tendency.
• Alcohol intake.
• Other constitutional symptoms - eg, malaise, weight loss.
• Past history or thrombosis (can be suggestive of thrombophilia).
• Previous blood transfusions.
• Renal or hepatic impairment.
14. Check:
• Skin, palate and gums for:
• Bruising
• Petechia (non-blanching haemorrhagic spot <2 mm diameter)
• Purpura (2-10 mm diameter)
• Ecchymosis (>10 mm diameter)
15. Investigations
• FBC, blood film and platelet count - may detect leukaemia, lymphoma or
thrombocytopenia or abnormal platelets.
• Consider checking U&Es to exclude uraemia causing a platelet disorder.
• Consider LFTs to detect hepatic cause of acquired coagulation factor
deficiency and alcohol-related damage.
• Bone marrow biopsy.
• A coagulation screen usually involves taking blood in a mixture of citrate,
EDTA and clotted sample bottles. It includes:
16. Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT):
• This measures the intrinsic pathway (which includes factors I, II, V, VIII, IX,
X, XI and XII) and the common pathway.
• A plasma sample is used and the intrinsic pathway is activated by adding
phospholipid, an activator such as kaolin (which acts as a negatively
charged surface) and calcium ions. The formation of prothrombinase
complexes on the surface of the phospholipid enables the formation of
thrombin and a subsequent clot. The result is reported as the time in
seconds for this reaction.
• The test is used to assess the overall competence of the coagulation
system, as a routine test to monitor heparin therapy and as a pre-
operative screen for bleeding tendencies. It will also reveal possible
coagulation factor deficiencies, as in haemophilia A and B.
17. Prothrombin time (PT):
• This assesses the extrinsic and final common pathway of the coagulation
cascade, thus can detect factor I, II, V, VII or X deficiency or the effects of
warfarin.
• It is performed by adding thromboplastin and calcium ions to a plasma
sample. The time for clot formation is measured.
• Prolonged time suggests the presence of an inhibitor to, or a deficiency of,
one or more coagulation factors, the presence of warfarin, the existence
of vitamin K deficiency or liver dysfunction.
• The INR, used to monitor warfarin, is derived by comparing the patient's
clotting time to that of a standardised sample
18. Thrombin clotting time test:
• This measures the rate of a patient's clot formation compared with a
normal plasma control. The plasma is first depleted of platelets and a
standard amount of thrombin added.
• The test is used in the diagnosis of DIC and other conditions that can
affect fibrinogen level, such as liver disease.
19. • If the above tests are all normal, the vast majority of common
haemostatic disorders will have been excluded. However, if symptoms
persist and/or there is a suggestion of family history, patients should be
referred to a haematologist for further tests which may include:
20. • Bleeding time - this tests the interaction between the platelets and the
vessel walls. A standardised spring-loaded lancet is used to make a small
cut in the patient's forearm and the time for the bleeding to stop is then
measured. The test is not useful as a screening test, as it has a high false
positive result. It is sometimes used in the investigation of vWD although
even here it has poor specificity.
• The platelet function analyser is a relatively new technique. It has largely
replaced the in vivo bleeding time test although it is not specific for, nor
predictive of, any particular disorder and its limitations need to be taken
into account
21. • Fibrinogen - the level can be determined by immunological or functional
assay. It is usually performed when APTT or PT screening tests are
prolonged. The main disorders detected are afibrinogenaemia or
hypofibrinogenaemia (due to absence or a low level of fibrinogen
production) and dysfibrinogenaemia (due to a molecular alteration of
fibrinogen, causing poor function). Differences in the level of fibrinogen
measured by the two methods are suggestive of dysfibrinogenaemia.[1]
• Specific factor assays - factors VIII or IX to determine severity of
haemophilia; factor VIII and vWF in vWD.
• Gene analysis looking for specific gene defects.
22. Management
• Management is dependent on the underlying condition - see separate
articles on Haemophilia A (Factor VIII Deficiency) and Haemophilia B
(Factor IX Deficiency) and the separate article Von Willebrand's Disease.
• Whilst the sex-linked nature of haemophilia results in mostly male
sufferers, women are much more likely to present with mild bleeding
disorders due to the demands of menstruation and childbirth.
Menorrhagia can be tackled by standard means. For further details see
the separate article on Menorrhagia.