About Bleeding Disorders in Children
Hematology is the scientific study of blood and blood-forming tissues. A hematologist is a physician who specializes in the functions and disorders of the blood.
Bleeding disorders involve the blood clotting process. There are many different
kinds of bleeding disorders. Normal blood clotting (coagulation) involves as many as 20 different plasma proteins, also called clotting factors. If the clotting system is unbalanced, a
patient may either bleed or clot too easily depending on where
the problem occurs.
Bleeding problems can range from mild to severe. The two most common types of bleeding disorders are Hemophilia and von Willebrand disease. Clotting
disorders are at the other end of
the spectrum and can result in a variety of problems depending on which blood vessel
clots.
Causes and Treatments
Treatment depends on the type of disorder. It may include factor replacement, transfusion or other therapies.
Most bleeding disorders can be controlled so a person can have a healthy and full life.
It is important to work closely with your hematologist and medical support team. At CHKD, we have a Bleeding Disorders team that includes hematologists, a nurse coordinator, a social worker, an educational consultant, a physical therapist and a nutritionist.