Bleeding Disorders
The Montefiore Einstein Hematology (Blood Disorders) Division is at the forefront of innovation, research, and clinical care for all types of blood disorders. Our Hematology (Blood Disorders) Division boasts two distinct but interactive programs centering on patients with bleeding and thrombotic (clotting) disorders: the Thrombosis Prevention and Treatment Program (Thrombosis Program) and The Adult Comprehensive Hemostasis and Thrombosis Center (HTC – formerly known as the Hemophilia Treatment Center).
Designated a comprehensive HTC by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), we serve patients with bleeding and thrombophilia disorders in New York City, Westchester County and Rockland County. We are particularly proud of our work here in the Bronx, since we are the only HTC to serve our distinct borough.
As the Adult section of the Comprehensive HTC, we concentrate on managing patients >21years of age with congenital bleeding and clotting diseases. Our adult HTC partners with the pediatric HTC so that we can deliver care for entire families with these disorders and allowing us to transition the child with bleeding and clotting disorders into a confident adult who is able to take control over their own disease. With the many new therapies for even the rarest of bleeding problems, we can tailor therapies for each patient so that it will work for them. Our dedicated providers develop a highly personalized treatment plan for you and your unique health needs. As part of the New England Regional HTC Network as well as the national network, we can assure that wherever you go, we can interact with providers who can take care of you. If you require therapy support in the form of coagulation factors, recombinant proteins or the newest replacement therapies, we can deliver these products to your home and train you on how to use them properly. As part of the Hematology Division, we can assure you round the clock ability to get specialized care for any emergencies.
Montefiore Einstein offers the following content from the health information library of the National Institutes of Health’s National Library of Medicine and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
What Are Bleeding Disorders?
Bleeding disorders are conditions that affect the body’s ability to form blood clots properly. These disorders can result in excessive bleeding from minor injuries or spontaneous internal bleeding. They may be inherited or acquired and range from mild to severe. Proper diagnosis and management are essential for maintaining health and preventing complications.
Types of Bleeding Disorders
There are several types of bleeding disorders.
- Hemophilia A and B are genetic conditions caused by missing or defective clotting factors VIII or IX.
- Von Willebrand disease is the most common inherited bleeding disorder, resulting from low levels of von Willebrand factor (VWF).
- Thrombocytopenia occurs when the body has too few platelets, leading to excessive bleeding.
- Factor deficiencies are rare conditions in which the body lacks specific clotting factors, affecting blood coagulation.
- Acquired bleeding disorders can develop due to liver disease or medication-induced clotting abnormalities.
Causes of Bleeding Disorders
Bleeding disorders can arise from genetic mutations that lead to clotting factor deficiencies, autoimmune conditions that attack clotting proteins, and liver disease, which affects clotting factor production. Additionally, vitamin K deficiency can impair normal blood clotting and certain medications, such as blood thinners, can contribute to excessive bleeding.
Signs & Symptoms of Bleeding Disorders
Symptoms of bleeding disorders vary but often include easy bruising, frequent nosebleeds and heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Individuals may also experience excessive bleeding after surgery or injury, as well as unexplained joint or muscle swelling due to internal bleeding.
Diagnosing Bleeding Disorders
A bleeding disorder diagnosis is based on a combination of medical and family history, physical examination and specialized blood tests. A complete blood count (CBC) measures platelet levels, while specialized clotting factor assays determine specific deficiencies. Genetic studies are often ordered to determine the exact mutation that has caused the specific problem you have.
Treating Bleeding Disorders
Treatment for bleeding disorders depends on the severity and cause of the condition. Clotting factor replacement therapy may be necessary for certain bleeding disorders. We may also use other supportive, “balancing” therapies such as antifibrinolytic medications that help prevent clot breakdown or platelet transfusions for severely low counts. Cutting-edge therapies, including gene therapy and monoclonal antibody treatments, offer advanced solutions for managing complex bleeding disorders.