Disorders of Haemostasis

Question 1

How can defective primary haemostasis be measured?

Answer 1

prolonged skin bleeding time

Question 2

How can defective secondary haemostasis can be measured? (disorders of coagulation)

Answer 2

prolonged clotting times PT, aPTT. TT

Question 3

Name some major causes of haemostatic disorders

Answer 3

thrombocytopenia
• platelet dysfunction
• coagulation factor defect
• fibrinolysis defect
• blood vessel defect

Question 4

Name some factors that may indicate the clinical manifestation of primary haemostasis

Answer 4

petechiae / purpura of skin and mucous membranes
• conjunctival, nose and gum bleeding
• intracranial bleeding (serious but rare)
• prolonged bleeding from superficial skin cuts
• excessive bleeding from minor surgical procedures, tooth extractions
• menorrhagia

Question 5

Defects of secondary haemostasis (coagulation):

Answer 5

• easy bruising
• bleeding into joints
• bleeding into muscles
• intracranial bleeding (serious but rare)
• excessive bleeding from minor surgical procedures, tooth extractions
• menorrhagia

Question 6

Name the clinical manifestations
Petechiae 
Purpura
Ecchymosis
 haematoma
Haemarthrosis

Answer 6

Petechiae are pinpoint haemorrhages which show up as
tiny spots on the surface of the skin. It is the result of
capillary bleeding and is indicative of a platelet or blood
vessel disorder.
Purpura refers to large groups of petechiae.
Ecchymosis (bruising) results from larger amounts of
blood extravasated under the skin and shows up as
patchy skin discolouration.
A haematoma is a large mass of extravasated blood
which causes swelling of the affected tissue.
Haemarthrosis refers to bleeding into joints and is a
common complication of coagulation defects.