Bleeding, general approach

Etiology

Defect in platelet number or function (gum bleeding, petechiae, bruising)

  • Thrombocytopenia, eg, idiopathic and thrombotic, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, leukemia
  • Acquired disorder, eg, aspirin-induced platelet dysfunction, uremia, myeloproliferative disorder, autoantibody
  • Hereditary disorder, eg, von Willebrand's disease, Glanzmann's thrombasthenia

Defect in coagulation (skin and deep muscle bleeding)

  • Acquired disorder, eg, liver disease, vitamin K deficiency, anticoagulants, disseminated intravascular coagulation, factor VIII antibodies
  • Hereditary disorder, eg, hemophilia A

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Last updated: December 1, 2014