Bleeding Disorder

Bleeding disorder is a condition characterized by unusual bleeding due to abnormalities in the initial blood clotting process. The cause can be due to abnormalities in the vascular wall, von Willebrand factor (vWF) or platelets.

Vascular Wall Abnormalities

• Genetic:

• Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia

• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

• Acquired:

• Senile purpura

• Henoch-Schonlein purpura

• Scurvy (vitamin C deficiency)

• Amyloidosis

• Steroid-induced purpura

Platelet Abnormalities

• Congenital:

• Glycoprotein Abnormalities:

• Bernard-Soulier syndrome: Decreased glycoprotein Ib

• Glanzmann thrombasthenia: Decreased glycoprotein IIb/IIIa

• Platelet Membrane Framework Abnormalities:

• Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome: Immunodeficiency, decreased platelet count and size

• Platelet Granule Abnormalities:

• Gray platelet syndrome: Deficiency of alpha granules

• Acquired:

• Hematologic Disorders: Chronic myeloproliferative disorders, Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), Acute/chronic leukemia

• Severe sepsis, uremia

• Medications: Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Ticlopidine

Note:

• This article provides general information about bleeding disorders and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

• If you suspect you or someone you know has a bleeding disorder, please contact a doctor immediately for diagnosis and timely treatment.