| Abstract: |
Blood within the circulation must remain fluid, but if a blood vessel is damaged, localized coagulation must take place to prevent blood loss. This complex interacting system can be disturbed by inherited or acquired factors, resulting in bleeding or thrombotic disorders. This chapter about bleeding disorders, thrombosis, and anticoagulation is from a book on clinical hematology, written by specialists for nonspecialists. The book is designed to be easy to use and covers the symptoms, investigations, treatment, and management of conditions presenting in day-to-day practice. In this chapter, the author outlines the approach to a patient with a suspected bleeding disorder, which should include a medical history, examination, coagulation screening tests, and specialist coagulation tests. The chapter also covers congenital bleeding disorders, acquired bleeding disorders, venous thromboembolism, the inherited thrombophilias, and treatment strategies for venous thromboembolism. The chapter is illustrated with full-color photographs, drawings, and charts. 3 figures. 7 tables. 6 references. |