Coagulation Disorders Tutorial
 
Introduction

Very Sociable Guy

Chest Pain

Girl with a Rash  

England 1944

Trouble Healing

Morning Stiffness

Bruises Easily

Shortness of Breath

Drug Interactions

Review

Thanks to

Quiz Please

 Evaluation of Hemostasis
  • Good history and physical exam.  No kidding it really starts here.
The history is most important.
  • Recent onset vs. life-long pattern.
  • Alcohol consumption.
  • Use of NSAIDs.
  • Type of bleeding:
    • Petechiae (photo at right) and bruises suggest platelet problems. (Click image)
    • Joint and deep muscle hemorrhage suggest clotting factor problems.
Photo by Dr. George M. Rodgers
  • Don't forget family history.
    • Males and females equally affected?
    • Grandparents? Does it skip a generation?
    • Bad arthritis of the ankles or knees in a male grandparent may indicate a clotting factor problem (IX or VIII).
  • Poor wound healing could mean a factor problem.

What about laboratory tests?                                 Back

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