BLEEDING DISORDERS
Bleeding disorders occur when blood platelets (blood
cells) do not work correctly, which can hinder blood clotting
and make it more difficult for the body to stop
bleeding. The most common bleeding disorder among females is von Willebrand
Disease (vWD). vWD affects up to 4 million Americans, half
of whom are female.1 Typical
symptoms are heavy menstrual periods (menorrhagia), easy bruising, frequent
nosebleeds, and prolonged bleeding after minor injuries,
surgery, childbirth, or dental work.
The American College
of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that females
who have heavy menstrual periods be screened for vWD, and that hysterectomy
for menorrhagia should not be performed without testing for vWD.2 A
diagnosis of vWD requires taking a personal medical history, family medical
history, and
conducting
laboratory tests. Effective treatments are available, allowing affected persons
to live a normal life.
The 134 Federally-funded Hemophilia Treatment Centers
are medical facilities with healthcare providers who are experts in diagnosing
and treating bleeding
disorders. From 1996 to 2001 the number of females enrolled in Hemophilia
Treatment Centers increased from 4,818 to 7,853.
 [d]
1Rodeghiero
F, Castaman G, Dini E. Epidemiological investigation of
the prevalence of Von Willebrand's Disease. Blood; 69:454-459.
1987. [Back
to Text]
2American College of Obstetricians
and Gynecologists Committee Opinion No. 263 Von Willebrand
Disease in Gynecologic
Practice.
Obstet Gynecol; 98;1185-1186. 2001. [Back
to Text] |
