What is coagulopathy?
Coagulopathies are blood diseases that affect changes in the clotting process.
They can be congenital (such as hemophilia, von Willebrand’s disease or inherited platelet diseases) or acquired (caused by defective synthesis of plasma clotting factors or by absorption of antibodies that attack blood clotting factors). In the latter case, the most common causes may be poor diet that does not provide the necessary substances, intestinal malabsorption or the consumption of drugs that hinder the absorption of vitamin K (which promotes clotting).
Prognosis of the disease
Certain types of coagulopathies can cause the blood not to clot (hemorrhage or hemophilia). Others, on the other hand, can cause hypercoagulation, which can lead to thrombosis and embolism.
In both cases, these are disorders that could lead to premature death if not properly treated.
Coagulopathies are blood diseases that affect changes in the clotting process.
Symptoms of coagulopathy
The most common symptoms of coagulopathy are as follows:
- Bruising that appears for no apparent reason;
- Hemarthrosis (leakage of blood into the joints);
- Hemorrhage after childbirth;
- Effusion of blood into the pleura (hemothorax);
- Very heavy menstrual flow (menorrhagia);
- Uterine blood loss of non-menstrual origin (metrorrhagia);
- Loss of blood from the nose;
- Anal bleeding;
- Blood in the urine;
- Blood in sperm;
- Livedo reticularis;
- Thrombocytopenia;
- Persistent involuntary and painful erection (priapism);
- Gingival bleeding;
- Rheumatism;
- Blood in the gums;
- Joint pain and swelling.
Diagnosis of coagulopathy
Diagnosis is based on an objective analysis of the patient’s habits (what type of medication he is taking, whether he suffers from allergies, whether he has undergone a transfusion, whether he smokes or drinks, etc.), obtaining the patient’s medical history, blood tests and tests to evaluate coagulation factors.
What are the causes of coagulopathy?
Coagulopathy occurs when clotting factors are deficient or absent. Clotting factors are proteins that allow blood clots to form. Their absence or deficiency may be due to several causes, such as:
- Genetic factors, such as hemophilia and Von Willebrand’s disease, or family members who have previously suffered from coagulopathies.
- Acquired factors, such as the use of anticoagulant drugs, continued use of antibiotics, liver disease or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
Is it preventable?
Especially in the case of overly rapid blood clotting (which can promote the development of thrombosis), preventive work may be advisable in those individuals who are at high risk of developing coagulopathies. Exercising, losing weight and not sitting for too long can help combat clotting disorders.
Treatments for coagulopathy
In more severe cases, coagulopathy can be treated by transfusion, but it is more common to start drug treatment to correct blood clotting defects.
Medications for coagulopathy
The hematologist may find it necessary to prescribe some of these medications:
- Medications that prevent the formation of blood clots;
- Birth control pills to counteract excessive bleeding during menstruation;
- Medications that replace clotting factors that may be absent.
Which specialist should be consulted?
A hematologist should be consulted, who will be able to advise on the most appropriate diagnostic tests and treatments for clotting disorders.