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.
Warfarin Warfarin is a commonly prescribed oral medication given as prophylaxis for embolic events. Warfarin Toxicity
Disorder Bleeding Time PT PTT Platelets Hemophilia A Normal Normal Elevated Normal Hemophilia B Normal Normal Elevated Normal Vitamin K deficiency Normal Elevated Normal/Elevated Normal Liver Disease Normal Elevated Normal/Elevated Normal/low Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy Elevated Elevated Elevated Very Low Heparin…
Pancytopenia is a complete blood count finding where all peripheral blood cell lineage counts are below the reference range Definition of terms Term Definition Bone marrow failure Bone marrow failure is a decrease in the production of one or more…
Aplastic anaemia is characterised by pancytopenia with a hypocellular bone marrow, in the absence of an abnormal infiltrate or bone marrow fibrosis. The Loss of haematopoietic stem cells (CD34+/CD38-) is a defining feature of aplastic anaemia. Classification of aplastic anaemia…
Polycythemia vera is characterised by peripheral erythrocytosis. It is commonly caused by a point mutation in JAK2. Thrombocytosis and leukocytosis can also occur in addition to erythrocytosis. The classic presentation is an unexplained high haemoglobin with low MCV and low…
Chronic neutrophilic leukaemia is a rare aggressive myeloproliferative neoplasm that is characterised by persistent mature neutrophils, granulocyte hyperplasia, and hepatosplenomegaly. It is associated with mutations in Colony Stimulating Factor-3 (CSF-3) receptors.