Haematology Clinic
Suite 302, Level 3
2 Technology Place
Macquarie University NSW 2109
Information about bleeding disorders and treatments
Bleeding disorders are conditions in which the body cannot form blood clots properly, leading to excessive or prolonged bleeding after injury, surgery or even spontaneously.
They occur when there are problems with blood clotting factors, platelets or blood vessels. These disorders can be inherited (genetic) or acquired (develop later in life).
Symptoms
Symptoms of blood clotting may include:
- easy bruising
- joint/muscle bleeds (severe cases)
- mucosal bleeding (epistaxis, menorrhagia)
- post-procedural bleeding.
Common causes of blood clotting include:
- acquired inhibitors
- anticoagulant/medication-related
- inherited (eg von Willebrand disease, haemophilia)
- liver disease
- platelet disorders.
Your doctor will usually start with:
- coagulation studies (PT/INR, aPTT)
- genetic testing (selected patients)
- platelet function testing
- specific clotting factor assays
- von Willebrand panel.
Treatment may include:
- antifibrinolytics
- desmopressin (DDAVP)
- immunosuppression (acquired disorders)
- replacement therapy (factor concentrates)
- reversal of anticoagulation
- treating underlying causes (eg liver disease).
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