Coagulopathy
Coagulopathy (also called clotting disorder and bleeding disorder) is a defect in the body's mechanism for blood clotting, causing bleeding diathesis.
Causes:
While there are several possible causes, they generally result in excessive bleeding and a lack of clotting.
Acquired: Acquired causes of coagulopathy include anticoagulation with warfarin, liver failure, Vitamin K deficiency and disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Additionally, the haemotoxic venom from certain species of snakes can cause this condition e.g. Bothrops, rattlesnakes and other species of viper. Viral hemorrhagic fevers include dengue hemorrhagic fever and Dengue Shock Syndrome
Leukemia may also cause coagulopathy.
Autoimmune causes of acquired coagulation disorders: There are autoimmune causes of coagulation disorders. They include acquired antibodies to coagulation factors; termed inhibitors of coagulation. The main inhibitor is directed against Factor VIII Another example is antiphospholipid syndrome.
Genetic: Some people lack genes that typically produce the protein coagulation factors that allow normal clotting. Various types of Hemophilia and von Willebrand disease are the major genetic disorders associated with coagulopathy.
Rare examples are Bernard-Soulier syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome and Glanzmann's thrombasthenia.
Symptoms:
Petechiae (red spots):
Disorders
- Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, where they may resemble bruises[1]
- Acute leukemia[2]
- Chronic leukemia[2]
- Vitamin K deficiency[3]
Purpura and ecchymoses:
Disorders
- Acute leukemia[2]
- Chronic leukemia[2]
- Vitamin K deficiency[3]
Blood in stool
Disorders
- Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, especially in infancy[1]
- Acute leukemia[2]
Bleeding gingiva (gums)
Disorders
- Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome[1]
- Acute leukemia[2]
- Chronic leukemia[2]
Prolonged nose bleeds
Disorders
- Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome[1]