Bleeding disorders affect the body’s ability to form a proper blood clot.
When someone is injured, their blood usually forms a clot that seals the damaged area and stops the bleeding. This is a complicated process, involving blood cells, platelets and 13 different clotting factors (proteins). When something goes wrong, it’s called a bleeding disorder.
Some bleeding disorders include:
- Anemia
- Bone marrow failure syndromes
- Hemophilia
- Platelet disorders
- Sickle cell disease
- Thalassemia
- Thrombotic disorders
- von Willebrand disease
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What are the signs and symptoms of bleeding disorders?
Symptoms of a bleeding disorder include:
- Bleeding into joints, muscles and soft tissues
- Bruising
- Prolonged, heavy menstrual periods (menorrhagia)
- Nosebleeds
- Bleeding more than normal with minor cuts, blood draws, vaccinations, minor surgery or dental procedures
What causes bleeding disorders?
Some bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia, can be passed down from a parent. Others can come from conditions such as anemia, leukemia, HIV, and vitamin K deficiency. They can also result from certain medications that thin the blood such as aspirin, heparin and warfarin.
How are bleeding disorders treated?
Treatment for bleeding disorders vary depending on the condition and severity. Doctors at Connecticut Children’s can determine the right plan if your child requires treatment for a bleeding disorder.
Our Adolescent Bleeding & Clotting Disorders Clinic can treat young women through hormonal therapy (birth control), insertion of an IUD, transfusions or hemostatic therapy.
Our Hemostasis & Thrombosis Program treats patients with hemophilia, von Willebrand Disease, rare factor deficiencies, platelet disorders, or blood clots (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism). Our team works together to create a coordinated care plan that may include medications, genetic counseling, pain medicine, and physical therapy.
Connecticut Children’s also offers chronic transfusion therapy for children who require red blood cell replacement.
Why Connecticut Children’s?
Connecticut Children’s experts from many specialties work together to provide specialized care – from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up care. In a child-friendly environment, we offer chronic transfusion therapy for children who require red blood cell replacement.
Our cutting-edge treatments, extensive family education and support services encourage independence and a high quality of life.