Virginia Apgar (1909-1974) is credited with the scoring system used to determine whether the baby is responding to resuscitative efforts and the baby’s status at delivery. It is NOT a predictor of long-term outcome, but is likely a predictor of…
Congenital bleeding disorders are rare. They are characterised by repeated haemorrhage, which is usually spontaneous after minor injuries.
Haemophilia is an X-linked recessive clotting disorder that is commonly diagnosed in infant males with haemorrhage or prolonged bleeding time. Symptoms are rarely seen in women due to their heterozygosity. Classification of haemophilia Classification Description Haemophilia A (classic haemophilia) X-linked…
Von Willebrand Disease (vWD) is caused by qualitative and quantitative deficiencies in von Willebrand factor. It is characterised by mucocutaneous haemorrhage. Subtypes of von Willebrand Disease Subtype Description Type 1 von Willebrand disease (75%) Autosomal dominant quantitative defect of vWF.…
Thrombophilia refers to an increased tendency to form thrombi. It can occur due to an increased function of coagulation factors or a decreased level of inhibitors of the coagulation pathway
Vitamin K is a group of fat-soluble quinone-based compounds that carboxylate glutamate to γ-carboxyglutamate, a necessary step in the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Vitamin K deficiency in the newborn Timeframe of bleeding Cause of bleedingy (haemorrhagic disease of…
Bleeding secondary to liver disease is commonly gastrointestinal – it is especially variceal. Liver disease can also cause thrombosis.
Disseminated intravascular coagulation is characterised by simultaneous coagulation and haemorrhage. There is widespread clot formation and depletion of clotting factors, which results in disseminated blood clots, organ damage, and bleeding. It is caused by conditions that either cause endothelial damage…
Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia is an immunologic reaction against platelet factor 4 antibodies, causing platelet activation, clotting, and their destruction. It commonly presents within 5-10 days of starting heparin.