| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | A group of disorders of the blood clotting (coagulation) system in which bleeding is prolonged and excessive. |
| Alternative Names | Coagulopathy |
| 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 (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, such as: Hemophilia AHemophilia BFactor II deficiencyFactor V deficiencyFactor VII deficiencyFactor X deficiencyFactor XII deficiency idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpuradrug-induced immune thrombocytopeniavon Willebrand's disease (type I and type II) Congenital antithrombin III deficiencyCongenital protein C or S deficiencyDIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation) platelet function defects |
| Signs and tests | Complete blood count may show decreased platelets or anemia. Prothrombin time (PT) may be prolonged. Partial thromboplastin (PTT) time may be prolonged. Bleeding time may be prolonged. Platelet aggregation test may be abnormal. Specific abnormalities depend on the specific bleeding disorder. |
| Treatment | Treatment depends on the specific disorder. It may include factor replacement, fresh frozen plasma transfusion, platelet transfusion, or other therapies. |
| Support Groups | |
| Expectations (prognosis) | Prognosis also depends on the specific disorder. Most primary bleeding disorders can be successfully managed. Those due to underlying diseases, such as DIC, depend on the success of treatment for the disease. |
| Complications | severe bleeding bleeding in the brain Other complications can result, depending on the specific disorder. |
| Calling your health care provider | Call your health care provider if you notice any unusual or severe bleeding. |
| Prevention | Prevention depends on the specific disorder. |
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