Potentially catastrophic bleeding disorders. Approach to diagnosis and management.

Clinical and laboratory evaluation of severe bleeding can detect the presence of an intrinsic or acquired coagulation disorder. The three most common inherited coagulation disorders are factor VIII deficiency (hemophilia A), factor IX deficiency (hemophilia B), and von Willebrand's disease. Vitamin K deficiency, liver disease, and disseminated intravascular coagulation are the most common acquired disorders. A thorough clinical history is crucial to diagnosis. Screening tests that measure prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, and platelet count permit initial classification and guide selection of more specific tests. Results can then be used to determine appropriate therapy.