4 Bleeding Disorders
Compare thrombocytopenia, hemophilia, and von Willebrand disease by their bleeding patterns, diagnostic clues, and care priorities.
and platelet-related bleeding
means there are too few platelets. It commonly causes skin or mucosal bleeding, including petechiae, bruising, gum bleeding, and nosebleeds. Bleeding that continues despite firm, direct pressure is more urgent than a small bruise or mild fatigue because it can signal serious blood loss.
Reducing bleeding risk
Reduce avoidable injury and check with the care team before using medicines that may increase bleeding. Aspirin and ibuprofen may worsen bleeding. A soft toothbrush is appropriate, and intramuscular injections should be avoided when an oral medicine is available.
Report blood in the urine or stool. Follow the clinician’s individualized advice about activities that carry injury risk; permanent inactivity is not generally advised. Seek urgent medical care if bleeding does not stop with pressure.
and joint bleeding
results from deficiency of clotting factor VIII or factor IX, not from too few platelets. involves low factor VIII, while involves low factor IX. can cause deep-tissue or joint bleeding.
A warm, painful, swollen joint after an injury can indicate bleeding into the joint, even if there is no visible bruising. Follow the patient’s prescribed bleeding plan promptly and notify the care team; do not delay care while waiting for bruising or repeatedly flex and extend the affected joint.
Testing for
and B commonly present with prolonged and normal . Factor VIII and factor IX activity assays help identify the deficient factor and determine severity. A platelet count alone does not identify which clotting factor is deficient.
helps platelets adhere at an injury site and carries factor VIII in the blood. Deficiency or dysfunction of this factor can impair early clot formation and, in some cases, reduce factor VIII activity. often causes mucosal or procedure-related bleeding.
Procedure planning and urgent response
Before a dental procedure, tell both the dentist and coordinating clinician about . Dental procedures can cause significant bleeding, and the care team can plan prevention and treatment according to the person’s disease type, severity, and treatment response. Do not start or stop prescribed medicines without clinical advice.
Across these bleeding disorders, recognize and report bleeding promptly, follow the patient-specific treatment plan, and seek urgent medical attention for uncontrolled bleeding or suspected serious internal bleeding.