Coagulation Disorders
What are Coagulation Disorders
Coagulation disorders are conditions that affect the body’s ability to stop bleeding when a blood vessel is damaged. The body’s intricate clotting process, which is regulated by a combination of blood-clotting factors and platelets, is interrupted when there is a coagulation disorder present. Depending on the cause of the disorder, the disruption in the clotting process can lead to either abnormal clotting that can lead to serious clotting disorders, or an inability of the body to clot correctly, leading to an increased risk of excessive bleeding.
Types of Coagulation Disorders
Coagulation disorders can be broken down into two distinct categories: inherited and acquired. In inherited disorders, the clotting process is disrupted due to an abnormality in genetics and may be passed down from a parent to a child. Examples of inherited coagulation disorders include hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, and Factor V Leiden. Acquired disorders originate during a person’s lifetime due to other medical conditions or medications interfering with the clotting process, such as deep vein thrombosis, anticoagulant use, or liver disease.
Symptoms
The symptoms associated with coagulation disorders can vary widely depending on the type and severity of the disorder. Common signs and symptoms of clotting disorders include:
- Excessive or prolonged bleeding after minor injuries
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Bruising easily
- Blood in urine or stool
- Joint pain or swelling
- Fatigue or weakness
- Nosebleeds
Diagnosis
Doctors usually diagnose coagulation disorders by doing a combination of blood tests and physical exams. A blood test will check the levels of important clotting factors and platelets in the patient’s blood. If the results are abnormal, the doctor may order additional tests to confirm the diagnosis. Depending on the type of disorder, he or she may order an ultrasound, X-ray, MRI, CT scan, or biopsy in order to assess the situation more precisely.
Treatment
Treatment for coagulation disorders will depend on the type of disorder and its severity. A mild disorder may be managed with lifestyle adjustments and careful monitoring. On the other hand, a more severe disorder may require medication, such as anticoagulants or blood thinners to prevent excessive clotting, or replacement therapy to replace the missing or defective clotting factor. In serious cases, surgery may be required.
