Hemostasis & How to Recognize Bleeding Disorders

Hemostasis – What stops us from bleeding out.

Three main steps:

  1. Vasoconstriction
  2. Primary hemostasis (platelet plug) – the temporary way to stop bleeding
  3. Secondary hemostasis (clotting cascade) – the more permanent way

Bleeding disorders can be broadly divided into whether they affect platelet plug formation or the clotting cascade (if you need a refresher, click here)

 Platelet Disorder Clotting Cascade Disorders
Immediate bleeding
Muscosal and cutaneous
Bruises and petechiae
Nose bleeds (epistaxis)
Menorrhagia (heavy periods)
von Willebrand
Thrombocytopenia
DIC 
Delayed Bleeding
Deep (muscles and joints)
Palpable bruises, large spreading hematomas
Hemarthrosis
Post-surgical bleeding
Hemophilia A (factor VIII)
Hemophilia B (factor IX)
Warfarin

One thought on “Hemostasis & How to Recognize Bleeding Disorders

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